U.S. patent application number 11/981672 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-11 for biosynchronous transdermal drug delivery for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of nutraceuticals, and the treatment of hyperglycemia, alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, parkinson's disease, aids, epilepsy, attention deficit disorder, nico.
This patent application is currently assigned to CHRONO THERAPEUTICS, INC.. Invention is credited to Guy Dipierro, Steven A. Giannos.
Application Number | 20080220092 11/981672 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39741882 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080220092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dipierro; Guy ; et
al. |
September 11, 2008 |
Biosynchronous transdermal drug delivery for longevity, anti-aging,
fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management,
delivery of nutraceuticals, and the treatment of hyperglycemia,
alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, parkinson's disease, aids,
epilepsy, attention deficit disorder, nicotine addiction, cancer,
headache and pain control, asthma, angina, hypertension,
depression, cold, flu and the like
Abstract
Systems and methods for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue
management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of
nutraceuticals, and treating hyperglycemia, Alzheimer's disease,
sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease, Attention Deficit Disorder
and nicotine addiction involve synchronizing and tailoring the
administration of nutraceuticals, medications and other substances
(for example, stimulants) in accordance with the body's natural
circadian rhythms, meal times and other factors. Improved control
of blood glucose levels, extended alertness, and weight control,
and counteracting of disease symptoms when they are at their worst
are possible. An automated, pre-programmable transdermal
administration system is used to provide pulsed doses of
medications, pharmaceuticals, hormones, neuropeptides, anorexigens,
pro-drugs, stimulants, plant extracts, botanicals, nutraceuticals,
cosmeceuticals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, enzymes,
antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins,
amino acids, coenzymes, or other physiological active ingredient or
precursor. The system can utilize a pump, pressurized reservoir, a
system for removing depleted carrier solution, or other modulated
dispensing actuator, in conjunction with porous membranes or
micro-fabricated structures.
Inventors: |
Dipierro; Guy; (Hamilton,
NJ) ; Giannos; Steven A.; (Quincy, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOGAN & HARTSON LLP
ONE TABOR CENTER, SUITE 1500, 1200 SEVENTEENTH ST
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Assignee: |
CHRONO THERAPEUTICS, INC.
HAMILTON
NJ
|
Family ID: |
39741882 |
Appl. No.: |
11/981672 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
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Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11162525 |
Sep 13, 2005 |
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11981672 |
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60863686 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60863677 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60863671 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60863666 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60863654 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60863640 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60863618 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60863613 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60863608 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60863607 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
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60609418 |
Sep 13, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/649 ;
514/213.01; 514/249; 514/274; 514/297; 514/311; 514/317; 514/34;
514/342; 514/343; 514/367; 514/378; 514/398; 514/478; 514/534;
514/567; 514/592; 514/646; 514/742; 604/890.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/18 20130101;
A61K 9/7023 20130101; A61K 31/165 20130101; A61K 31/4164 20130101;
A61K 31/42 20130101; A61M 39/22 20130101; A61M 2205/8206 20130101;
A61K 31/708 20130101; A61M 37/0092 20130101; A61M 2205/50 20130101;
A61K 31/195 20130101; A61P 3/00 20180101; A61K 31/485 20130101;
A61M 2037/0023 20130101; A61K 31/13 20130101; A61M 2205/3368
20130101; A61M 2205/3337 20130101; A61K 31/198 20130101; A61K
31/4436 20130101; A61K 31/473 20130101; A61M 37/0015 20130101; A61K
9/0014 20130101; A61K 31/137 20130101; A61K 31/4453 20130101; A61K
31/498 20130101; A61P 25/00 20180101; A61K 31/415 20130101; A61K
31/435 20130101; A61K 31/7072 20130101; A61K 31/216 20130101; A61K
31/445 20130101; A61M 2205/502 20130101; A61K 31/04 20130101; A61K
9/7084 20130101; A61K 31/135 20130101; A61K 31/155 20130101; A61K
31/404 20130101; A61K 31/505 20130101; A61K 31/47 20130101; A61M
2005/14268 20130101; A61K 31/421 20130101; A61K 31/4458 20130101;
A61K 31/55 20130101; A61K 31/4468 20130101; A61K 31/27 20130101;
A61K 31/4965 20130101; A61K 31/4985 20130101; A61P 35/00 20180101;
A61K 31/428 20130101; A61M 5/14248 20130101; A61K 31/465 20130101;
A61M 2037/0007 20130101; A61M 37/00 20130101; A61K 31/17 20130101;
A61K 31/704 20130101; A61K 31/405 20130101; A61N 1/30 20130101;
A61P 9/00 20180101; A61K 31/4168 20130101; A61K 31/192 20130101;
A61K 31/4439 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/649 ;
514/592; 514/342; 514/646; 514/297; 514/317; 514/478; 514/213.01;
514/311; 514/367; 514/249; 514/567; 514/742; 514/378; 514/398;
514/534; 514/274; 514/34; 514/343; 604/890.1 |
International
Class: |
A61K 33/24 20060101
A61K033/24; A61K 31/17 20060101 A61K031/17; A61K 31/4436 20060101
A61K031/4436; A61K 31/135 20060101 A61K031/135; A61K 31/435
20060101 A61K031/435; A61K 31/445 20060101 A61K031/445; A61K 31/27
20060101 A61K031/27; A61K 31/55 20060101 A61K031/55; A61K 31/47
20060101 A61K031/47; A61K 31/428 20060101 A61K031/428; A61P 9/00
20060101 A61P009/00; A61P 35/00 20060101 A61P035/00; A61P 25/00
20060101 A61P025/00; A61P 3/00 20060101 A61P003/00; A61K 31/498
20060101 A61K031/498; A61K 31/192 20060101 A61K031/192; A61K 31/42
20060101 A61K031/42; A61K 31/4164 20060101 A61K031/4164; A61K 9/22
20060101 A61K009/22; A61K 31/505 20060101 A61K031/505; A61K 31/704
20060101 A61K031/704 |
Claims
1. A method for delivering an active substance to a human or animal
comprising: providing a transdermal drug delivery device coupled to
the human or animal, the delivery device having a source of the
active substance, a programmable timing mechanism, and a mechanism
for causing the active substance to be delivered transdermally in
response to the timing mechanism; and timing routines implemented
by the timing mechanism, wherein the timing routines are selected
to deliver the active substance at a time, rate, sequence and/or
cycle that is synchronized with a biological rhythm of the human or
animal.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the active substance is selected
from the group consisting of glibenclamide, glipizide,
rosiglitazone, metformin, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, adrifina,
ampakine, tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine,
selegiline, ropinirole, apomorphine, pramipexole, biperiden,
bromocriptine, levodopa, methylphenidate, dextro-amphetamine,
bupropion, nitroglycerin, indomethacin, valdecoxib, tulobuterol,
clonidine, oxybutynin, zolmitriptan, miglitol, entanyl,
fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cisplatin, zidovudine, gabapentin,
triprolidine, fentanyl, diclofenac, theophylline, carbidopa,
entacapone metoprolol and caffeine.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the active substance is for a
purpose selected from the group consisting of fatigue management,
treating obesity, weight loss, weight management, nutraceutical
delivery, treating hyperglycemia, managing alzheimer's disease,
treating a sleep disorder, treating parkinson's disease, treating
an attention deficit disorder, treating nicotine addiction,
treating cancer, treating headache, pain management, treating
asthma, treating angina, treating hypertension, treating
depression, treating epilepsy, treating AIDS, treating a cold and
treating a flu.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the active substance is for a
purpose selected from the group consisting of fatigue management,
treating obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of
nutraceuticals, treating hyperglycemia, managing alzheimer's
disease, treating a sleep disorder, treating parkinson's disease,
treating an attention deficit disorder, treating nicotine
addiction, treating cancer, treating headache, pain management,
treating asthma, treating angina, treating hypertension, treating
depression, treating a cold and treating a flu.
5. The method of claim 1 whereby permeation through the skin is
assisted using one or more from the group comprising:
micro-fabricated structures, heat, sonophoresis, and a chemical
permeation enhancer.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the active substance comprises a
stimulant and the timing routines are selected to deliver the
stimulant immediately before the human or animal wakes up.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the active substance comprises
nicotine and the timing routines are selected to deliver the
nicotine at times that are associated with nicotine cravings.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein at least one of the selected times
corresponds to a time at which the human or animal experiences a
morning nicotine craving.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the active substance comprises an
antihistamine and the timing routines are selected to deliver the
antihistamine while the human or animal sleeps.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the active substance comprises a
stimulant and the timing routines are selected to deliver the
stimulant immediately before the human or animal wakes up.
11. A method for treating a symptom, condition, and/or disease
comprising: identifying an active substance suitable for treating a
particular symptom, condition and/or disease; identifying a
biologically superior time for modulating the administration of the
active substance; programming a time-programmable transdermal drug
delivery system with a schedule selected to synchronize with the
identified biologically superior time for modulating; and causing
the time-programmable transdermal drug delivery system to deliver
the active substance according to the programmed schedule.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the disease is selected from
the group consisting of aging, fatigue, obesity, hyperglycemia,
alzheimer's disease, a sleep disorder, parkinson's disease,
attention deficit disorder, nicotine addiction, cancer, headache,
migraine, pain, epilepsy, AIDS, asthma, angina, hypertension,
depression, cold and flu.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the active substance is
selected from the group consisting of glibenclamide, glipizide,
rosiglitazone, metformin, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, adrifina,
ampakine, tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine,
selegiline, ropinirole, apomorphine, pramipexole, biperiden,
bromocriptine, levodopa, methylphenidate, dextro-amphetamine,
bupropion, nitroglycerin, indomethacin, valdecoxib, tulobuterol,
clonidine, oxybutynin, zolmitriptan, miglitol, entanyl,
fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cisplatin, zidovudine, gabapentin,
triprolidine, fentanyl, diclofenac, theophylline, carbidopa,
entacapone metoprolol and caffeine.
14. A programmable transdermal drug delivery device comprising: an
interface for coupling to the skin of a host; a reservoir storing a
quantity of an active substance; a delivery mechanism for
modulating the quantity of the active substance supplied from the
reservoir to the interface in response to a control signal; and a
timing mechanism coupled to the delivery mechanism and configured
to generate the control signal according to a programmed
administration schedule.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein the delivery mechanism is a
micro-pump which controls a rate at which the active substance is
supplied in response to the control signal.
16. The device of claim 14 further comprising a mechanism for
removing carrier materials from the interface.
17. A method for delivering an active substance to a human or
animal comprising: providing a transdermal drug delivery device
coupled to the human or animal, the delivery device having a source
of the active substance, a programmable timing mechanism, and a
mechanism for causing the active substance to be delivered
transdermally in response to the timing mechanism; and programming
a timing routine to be implemented by the timing mechanism, wherein
the timing routine is selected from the group consisting of (a)
delivering the active substance at a time when the human or animal
is asleep or is expected to be asleep; (b) delivering the active
substance at a time when the human or animal is awake or is
expected to be awake; (c) delivering the active substance a time
when the human or animal is waking up or is expected to be waking
up; (d) delivering the active substance in during or near mealtime;
(e) increasing a dosage of the active substance at a preprogrammed
time; (f) decreasing a dosage of the active substance at a
preprogrammed time; (g) terminating delivery of the active
substance at a preprogrammed time; (h) increasing delivery of the
active substance in response to a signal representative of a change
in a physiological condition; (i) delivering the active substance
in response to a signal indicative of a demand by the human or
animal; and (j) delivering the active substance at regular
intervals.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the active substance is a
nutraceutical.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the active substance is for a
purpose selected from the group consisting of fatigue management,
treating obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of
nutraceuticals, treatment of hyperglycemia, managing alzheimer's
disease, treating a sleep disorder, treating parkinson's disease,
treating an attention deficit disorder, treating nicotine
addiction, treating cancer, treating headache, pain management,
treating asthma, treating angina, treating hypertension, treating
depression, treating epilepsy, treating AIDS, treating a cold and
treating a flu.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the active substance is
selected from the group consisting of glibenclamide, glipizide,
rosiglitazone, metformin, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, adrifina,
ampakine, tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine,
selegiline, ropinirole, apomorphine, pramipexole, biperiden,
bromocriptine, levodopa, methylphenidate, dextro-amphetamine,
bupropion, nitroglycerin, indomethacin, valdecoxib, tulobuterol,
clonidine, oxybutynin, zolmitriptan, miglitol, entanyl,
fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cisplatin, zidovudine, gabapentin,
triprolidine, fentanyl, diclofenac, theophylline, carbidopa,
entacapone metoprolol and caffeine.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application Nos. 60/863,607 (Biosynchronous Transdermal Delivery of
Nutraceuticals), 60/863,608 (Biosynchronous Transdermal Drug
Delivery For the Treatment of Hyperglycemia), 60/863,613
(Biosynchronous Transdermal Delivery for Longevity and Anti-Aging),
60/863,618 (Biosynchronous Drug Delivery for Fatigue Management),
60/863,640 (Biosynchronous Transdermal Drug Delivery for Obesity,
Weight-Loss and Weight Management), 60/863,654 (Biosynchronous
Transdermal Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Alzheimer's
Disease), 60/863,666 (Biosynchronous Transdermal Drug Delivery for
the Treatment of Sleep Disorders), 60/863,671 (Biosynchronous
Transdermal Drug Deliveryfor the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
(PD)), 60/863,677 (Biosynchronous Transdermal Drug Delivery for the
Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)) and 60/863,686
(Biosynchronous Transdermal Drug Delivery for the Treatment of
Nicotine Addiction), each filed Oct. 31, 2006 and incorporated
herein in their entireties by this reference. The present
application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser.
No. 11/162,525 filed Sep. 13, 2005 and entitled Biosynchronous
Transdermal Drug Delivery, which claims priority of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/609,418 filed Sep. 13, 2004, both
applications also being incorporated herein in their entireties by
this reference. This application also relates to PCT Application
No. PCT/IB2004/002947 entitled Transdermal Drug Delivery Method and
System filed Sep. 13, 2004, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to transdermal devices and
methods for controllable dispensing of a nutraceutical or an active
substance such as a chemical substance, a medication, a drug, a
stimulant or the like, to a human or other mammal for purposes of
promoting longevity, for anti-aging, for fatigue management, for
treating obesity, for weight loss, for weight management for,
delivery of nutraceuticals, and for the treatment of hyperglycemia,
alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, parkinson's disease, aids,
epilepsy, attention deficit disorder, nicotine addiction, cancer,
headache and pain control, asthma, angina, hypertension,
depression, cold, flu and the like.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND
[0003] Nutraceutical is a portmanteau of "nutritional" and
"pharmaceutical" and refers to foods thought to have a beneficial
effect on human health. It can also refer to individual chemicals
which are present in common foods (and therefore may be delivered
in a non-drug form). Many such nutraceuticals are
phytonutrients.
[0004] Dr. Stephen DeFelice coined the term in 1989. The term has
no regulatory definition, but it is commonly used in marketing. It
is certainly not a new concept. Chinese medicine would be one
example. Another would be Hippocrates who is quoted as saying, "Let
your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food."
Nutraceuticals are often used in nutrient premixes or nutrient
systems in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Nutraceuticals
are sometimes called functional foods.
[0005] In contrast, medications are often closely regulated by
governmental agencies. Medications may be prescribed for any of a
number of purposes, including minimizing or removing symptoms,
treating or irradicating disease, preventing occurrences of disease
outbreaks.
[0006] Both nutraceuticals and medications provide effective
treatments for a variety of illnesses. It is often preferred that a
nutraceutical, active substance or medication is applied at a
certain time or with a certain time pattern and in a manner that
keeps the concentration of nutraceutical, active substance or
medication at a certain value to achieve a desired therapeutic
result most efficiently. There are some drug delivery technologies
that are only able to release the active pharmaceutical ingredient
(API) over a long period of time. Additionally, APIs can be
partially or totally inactivated following oral ingestion due to
the highly acidic environment of the stomach or by the first pass
effect of the liver.
[0007] In order to overcome such problems, drugs are either
administered transdermally through the skin (e.g., with a patch),
or subcutaneously with an IV needle or continuous drip, these later
two methods being common parenteral methods for drug delivery. For
a long-term treatment, the parenteral methods may be uncomfortable
for the patient because of the repeated injury by needle injections
and the limited liberty of action due to intravenous drip
apparatus.
[0008] Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) or "patches" are a
form of transdermal drug delivery that is applied on the surface of
the skin. Transdermal systems have gained acceptance, as a drug
delivery platform, because they are portable, comfortable, and
suitable for patients with drug delivery in continuous dosages over
a relatively long period of time without requiring active
participation of the patient.
[0009] In the last decade, portable dispensing systems have been
developed to provide a more flexible, precise and complex
administration of drugs. Generally, the dispensing systems comprise
a reservoir for a drug, a dispensing unit, and a patch (or a
membrane that is permeable to the active substance, drug, or the
like but relatively impermeable to a solvent in which the active
substance is mixed in the reservoir). The reservoir through the
dispensing unit is interconnected to the patch. The dispensing unit
controls the releasing of the drug in the reservoir to the patch.
The efficiency for patch transdermal drug delivery depends mainly
on the diffusion rate of the effective substances through the skin.
Maintenance of the concentration of the effective substances on the
patch is essential to achieve the desirable diffusion rate.
However, it has proven problematic to effectively control the
concentration of substances on the patch in an effective manner.
Further, it has proven difficult to provide an inexpensive portable
device that allows a user or patient to easily refill the reservoir
and to otherwise maintain the device.
[0010] In the field of drug delivery, it is recognized that
supplying the drug in a correct temporal pattern is an important
attribute of any drug delivery methodology. Controlled release drug
delivery systems are intended to improve the response to a drug
and/or lessen side effects of a drug. The recurring interest in
chronopharmacology demonstrates the fact that biological rhythms
are an important aspect of clinical pharmacology and should be
taken into account when evaluating drug delivery systems
(Hrushesky, W., J. Cont. Rel. 19:363 (1992), Lemmer, B., Adv. Drug
Del. Rev. 6:19 (1991), Redfern, P., Ed., "Chronotherapeutics,"
Pharmaceutical Press: London (2003), Youn, C. B. J. Cont. Rel. 98
(3) 337 (2004) and Youn, C. B. J., Ed., "Chronopharmaceutics," John
Wiley & Sons, New York (In preparation)).
[0011] The onset and symptoms of diseases such as asthma attacks,
coronary infarction, angina pectoris, stroke and ventricular
tachycardia are circadian phase dependent. In humans, variations
during the 24 h day in pharmacokinetics (chrono-pharmacokinetics)
have been shown for cardiovascular active drugs (propranolol,
nifedipine, verapamil, enalapril, isosorbide 5-mononitrate and
digoxin), anti-asthmatics (theophylline and terbutaline),
anticancer drugs, psychotropics, analgesics, local anesthetics and
antibiotics, to mention but a few. Even more drugs have been shown
to display significant variations in their effects throughout the
day (chronopharmacodynamics and chronotoxicology) even after
chronic application or constant infusion (Ohdo, S. Drug Safety 26
(14) 999-1010 (2003)). Moreover, there is clear evidence that
dose/concentration-response relationships can be significantly
modified based on the time of day. Thus, circadian time has to be
taken into account as an important variable influencing a drug's
pharmacokinetics and its effects or side-effects (Bruguerolle, B.,
Clin. Pharmacokinet. Aug. 35 (2) 83-94 (1998)).
[0012] Studies indicate that the onset of certain diseases show
strong circadian temporal dependency. This has led to the need for
timed patterning of drug delivery as opposed to constant drug
release (Lemmer B., Ciba Found. Symp. 183:235-47; discussion 247-53
(1995).
[0013] The term "controlled release" refers generally to delivery
mechanisms that make an active ingredient available to the
biological system of a host in a manner that supplies the drug
according to a desired temporal pattern. Controlled release drug
delivery systems may be implemented using: a) instantaneous release
systems; b) delayed release systems, and c) sustained release
systems. In most cases, controlled release systems are designed to
maintain a sustained plasma level of an active ingredient in a drug
within a human or animal host over a period of time.
[0014] Instantaneous release refers to systems that make the active
ingredient available immediately after administration to the
biosystem of the host. Instantaneous release systems include
continuous or pulsed intravenous infusion or injections. Such
systems provide a great deal of control because administration can
be both instantaneously started and stopped and the delivery rate
can be controlled with great precision. However, the administration
is undesirably invasive as they involve administration via a
puncture needle or catheter.
[0015] Delayed release refers to systems in which the active
ingredient made available to the host at some time after
administration. Such systems include oral as well as injectable
drugs in which the active ingredient is coated or en-capsulated
with a substance that dissolves at a known rate so as to release
the active ingredient after the delay. Unfortunately, it is often
difficult to control the degradation of the coating or encapsulant
after administration and the actual performance will vary from
patient to patient.
[0016] Sustained Release generally refers to release of active
ingredient such that the level of active ingredient available to
the host is maintained at some level over a period of time. Like
delayed release systems, sustained release systems are difficult to
control and exhibit variability from patient to patient. Due to the
adsorption through the gastrointestinal tract, drug concentrations
rise quickly in the body when taking a pill, but the decrease is
dependent on excretion and metabolism, which cannot be controlled.
In addition, the adsorption through the gastrointestinal tract in
many cases leads to considerable side effects (such as bleeding and
ulcers), and can severely damage the liver.
[0017] Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) have been developed
primarily for sustained release of drugs in situations where oral
sustained release systems are inadequate. In some cases, drugs
cannot be effectively administered orally because the active
ingredients are destroyed or altered by the gastrointestinal
system. In other cases the drug may be physically or chemically
incompatible with the coatings and/or chelating agents used to
implement sustained release. In other cases a transdermal delivery
system may provide sustained release over a period of days or weeks
whereas orally administered drugs may offer sustained performance
over only a few hours.
[0018] In most cases transdermal delivery systems are passive,
taking the form of a patch that is attached to the skin by an
adhesive. The TTS includes a quantity of the active substance,
along with a suitable carrier if need be, in a reservoir, matrix or
in the adhesive itself. Once applied, the active ingredient
diffuses through the skin at a rate determined by the concentration
of the active substance and the diffusivity of the active
substance. However, a variety of physical and chemical processes at
the skin/patch boundary affect the delivery rate and may eventually
inhibit drug delivery altogether.
[0019] The original performance target for controlled drug delivery
is to achieve a zero-order release rate of the drug, so that a
constant efficacious drug concentration is maintained in the blood
plasma. However, more than two decades of research in chronobiology
and chronopharmacology have demonstrated the importance of
biological rhythms to the dosing of medications as well as
determine the influence of a patient's circadian or other
biological rhythms on drug efficacy and efficiency. This research
reveals that certain disease symptoms follow a daily pattern, with
peak symptoms at certain times of the day. It has been widely
acknowledged that hormones, neurotransmitters and other intra-body
compounds are released in different amounts at different times of
the day pursuant to daily patterns.
[0020] The new approach stems from a growing body of research that
demonstrates that certain diseases tend to get worse at certain
times of the day. By synchronizing medications with a patient's
body clock, many physicians believe that the drugs will work more
effectively and with fewer side effects. In some cases, the
improvements have been so pronounced that doctors have been able to
reduce dosages. Circadian physiologic processes have been found to
alter drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. As
a result, drug doses need to be adjusted to meet the differing
needs of target organs or tissues at various times of the day (see,
L. Lamberg, American Pharmacy, N831 (11): 20-23 (1991)).
[0021] The continued interest in chronopharmacology shows the
ever-increasing need to develop technologies to control the
temporal profile in drug delivery. Research findings suggest that
the onset and severity of many diseases are cyclic in nature, or
follow circadian patterns. Drug tolerance adds to the need for
modulation of drug dosing profiles. Additionally, skin irritation
and sensitization caused by medications may require intervals
during which no drug is administered. Therefore, this improved form
of drug delivery will be very important to people who need medicine
easily, painlessly and automatically delivered to their bodies in
timed increments (see Smolensk, M. H. & Lamberg, L. Body Clock
Guide to Better Health: How to Use Your Body's Natural Clock to
Fight Illness and Achieve Maximum Health, Henry Holt & Company,
New York (2001) and Grimes, J. et al., Pharmacol Exp Ther 285 (2):
457-463 (1998)).
[0022] Active transdermal delivery systems have been developed to
help regulate the delivery rate by providing mechanisms to improve
drug delivery over time by "pumping" the active ingredient. One
such system, (U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,635), describes a system for
delivering a medicament and dispensing it to an organism for a
relatively long period of time, for example at least a few days.
The device can be adapted for positioning on the surface of the
skin of a human or possibly an animal body in order to apply a
medicament thereto from the outer side thereof. Conventional
transdermal systems circumvent the disadvantages of the adsorption
through the gastrointestinal tract, but they do not optimize or
tailor the dosing regiment to offset peak symptoms. In addition the
constant transdermal delivery of a drug can lead to severe side
effects, including debilitating sleep disorders and ever increasing
tolerance.
[0023] A simple type of pulsed transdermal chronotherapy is a
biphasic profile, in which the drug concentration changes from a
high to a low level (or vice versa) over time. Although the system
can be physically applied or removed to alter the drug level,
patient compliance with this procedure may be difficult,
particularly during inconvenient hours. To generate a biphasic
profile, the delivery system may utilize an external regulator, as
described in Fallon et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,456) which
illustrates a device for drug administration through intact skin
that provides an initial pulse in the flux of the drug through the
skin followed by a substantially lower flux of drug through the
skin. Additionally, Fallon et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,875) later
describe a device for the administration of a drug through an area
of intact skin over a period of time in which the flux of the drug
through the skin varies temporally in a controlled manner. The
device is such that the skin flux of the drug varies in a
controlled manner over the period of administration, typically from
a high flux in the initial stage of administration to a lower flux
in the later stage of administration.
[0024] Transdermal temporally controlled drug delivery systems,
proposed by Giannos et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,853) coupled pH
oscillators with membrane diffusion in order to generate a periodic
release of a drug or active ingredient transdermally, without
external power sources and/or electronic controllers. The intent
was to address chronotherapy with a pulsatile transdermal system.
The strategy was based on the observation that a drug may be
rendered charged or uncharged relative to its pKa value. Since only
the uncharged form of a drug can permeate across lipophilic
membranes, including the skin, a periodic delivery profile may be
obtained by oscillating the pH of the drug solution (see Giannos,
S. A., "Pulsatile Delivery of Drugs and Topical Actives," in "Skin
Delivery Systems; Transdermal, Dermatologicals and Cosmetic
Actives", Edited by John. J. Wille, Jr.: Blackwell Publishing,
Oxford UK (2006)).
[0025] Recently, an orally administered drug for arthritis
treatment has suggested a chronotherapeutic approach using a delay
release system. The delay is scheduled to release the active
ingredient at the beginning of an interleukin 6 cascade that is
believed to cause early morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis
patients. By attempting to synchronize the drug delivery with a
biological cycle it is believed that low doses may be used to
achieve desired results. However, this system does not overcome the
limitations of delayed release systems described above.
[0026] Although it is possible to meet the requirements of
chronopharmacology and pulse a medication with pills, this requires
an enormous amount of discipline by the patient to comply with the
treatment regiment, see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,379, which
is incorporated herein by reference. As illustrated earlier, to
achieve optimal results, many patients may need to wake up during
the night to take their medication. Hence, what is needed is a
non-invasive, reliable means of delivering drugs compounds in
precisely timed and measured doses-without the inconvenience and
hazard of injection, yet with improved performance as compared to
orally delivered drugs.
[0027] Addressing patient compliance (taking the proper dosages at
the prescribed times) is another critical problem facing caregivers
and pharmaceutical firms alike. Studies show that only about half
of patients take medications at the times and in the dosages
directed by their physician. It is reported that each year, 125,000
deaths and up to 20% of all hospital and nursing home admissions
result from patient noncompliance. It is estimated that
non-compliance results in additional healthcare costs in excess of
$100 billion per year in United States. These figures are even more
pronounced for the elderly.
[0028] An individual's failure to comply with a dosing regimen,
e.g. failure to take one or more doses of a drug or taking too many
doses, will have an adverse impact upon the success of the regimen.
Individuals may fail to comply with their drug-dosing regimen for a
number of reasons. For example, drug-dosing regimens, such as every
4 hours, i.e., 8-12-4-8 involve a rigid dosing schedule that may be
incompatible with an individual's personal schedule. Such a rigid
dosing schedule when combined with normal human traits such as
forgetfulness or denial of a medical condition, as well as a busy
life, represent substantial obstacles to compliance with a drug
dosing regimen. Accordingly, such rigid dosing regimens often
result in the failure by an individual to take one or more doses at
the prescribed time. This has an adverse impact on the levels of
the therapeutic substance at the active site and consequently on
the overall efficacy of the therapeutic substance.
[0029] Hence, a need exists for systems and methods that increase
patient compliance for administration of a variety of
nutraceuticals and/or active substance (including, e.g., drugs).
Also, there remains a need for an improved patch-based (or
membrane-based) delivery system for a nutraceutical and/or active
substance that is able to administrate the delivery of a
nutraceutical and/or active substance to a subject over a period of
time in a controllable way. It is a preferable for such a system or
device to administrate the delivery of the nutraceutical and/or or
active substance in a pulsatile and scheduled manner, pursuant to a
pre-programmed dosage delivery regimen, meaning dosage sizes and
times can be automatically varied according to such
pre-programming.
[0030] In addition to disease conditions, there are other
conditions which also may benefit from a new controlled delivery
methodology. For example, longevity is defined as long life or the
length of a person's life (life expectancy). Reflections on
longevity have usually gone beyond acknowledging the basic
shortness of human life and have included thinking about methods to
extend life.
[0031] Life extension refers to an increase in maximum or average
lifespan, especially in humans, by slowing down or reversing the
processes of aging. Average lifespan is determined by vulnerability
to accidents and age-related afflictions such as cancer or
cardiovascular disease. Good diet, exercise and avoidance of
hazards such as smoking and excessive eating of sugar-containing
foods can achieve extension of the average lifespan. Maximum
lifespan is determined by the rate of aging for a species inherent
in its genetic code. Currently, the only widely recognized method
of extending maximum lifespan is by calorie restriction with
adequate nutrient supplementation. Theoretically, extension of
maximum lifespan can be achieved by reducing the rate of aging
damage, by periodic replacement of damaged tissues, or by molecular
repair or (rejuvenation) of deteriorated cells and tissues.
[0032] Similarly, obesity is a disease that affects nearly
one-third of the adult American population (approximately 60
million). The number of overweight and obese Americans has
continued to increase since 1960, a trend that is not slowing down.
Today, 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are
categorized as being overweight or obese. Each year, obesity causes
at least 300,000 excess deaths in the U.S., and healthcare costs of
American adults with obesity amount to approximately $100
billion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The invention relates to drugs, pharmaceuticals,
nutraceuticals and other bioactive substances are delivered
transdermally into a body in a manner that is synchronized with
biological processes and/or biological rhythms so as to improve
performance of the substance in the body. The invention also
relates to overcoming active agent tolerance, which may be
experienced from continuous administration, improve patient
compliance, and in some cases reducing the amount of drug needed
per dose due to advantages of biosynchronization.
[0034] The present invention describes a method for promoting good
health and treating a wide variety of conditions treating obesity,
excess weight gain, and weight management Alzheimer's disease (AD)
treating difficult and delayed waking in the morning Parkinson's
disease (PD) treating attention deficit disorder (ADD) and
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) smoking and
nicotine addiction in humans anti-aging and life extension therapy
for humans and mammals. This method involves treating
non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), hyperglycemia and
other glucose disorders in humans involving synchronizing and
tailoring the administration of a wide variety of substances and
drug compounds with the body's natural circadian rhythms, or more
notably a user's typical nicotine craving cycles in order to
alleviate a myriad of symptoms of excess weight and obesity,
conditions, for longevity, life extension or minimizing the aging
process in humans, of morning drowsiness and to counteract symptoms
when they are likely to be at their worst, to counteract symptoms
of nicotine withdrawal and craving associated with cessation of
tobacco or nicotine use, by use of an automated and pre-programmed
device. This invention relates to programmable transdermal delivery
system for delivering a stimulant through the skin for short
periods of time, in order to extend and improve alertness, while at
the same time allowing for easy device removal and termination of
drug delivery. The invention further relates to the field of
chronobiology in that the invention systems can be designed to
modulate active agent delivery in accordance with biological
rhythms. Drugs, pharmaceuticals, and other bioactive substances are
delivered transdermally into a body, in a temporal manner, that is
increasingly incremental, decreasingly incremental or a mixture of
the two so as to purposefully modulate the active substance in the
body. This system can utilize a pump or pressurized reservoir,
and/or a system for removing depleted carrier solution, or other
modulated dispensing actuator, in conjunction with porous membranes
or micro-fabricated structures commonly referred to as
micro-channels, with micro-needles, light, heat, iontophoresis,
electroporation, sonophoresis and dermal abrasion (together
referred to as mechanical permeation enhancement) or a wide range
of chemical permeation enhancers and/or a wide range of
nano-structures and substances known as nanotechnology or any
combination of these techniques.
[0035] More specifically, these methods synchronize and tailor drug
administration to the human body's circadian rhythms or to deliver
varying dosages at varying times. This ensures that peak
concentrations of nutraceuticals, drugs and/or chemical substances
(collectively herein "active substance") are present in the
bloodstream to offset peak disease symptoms arising from variances
and fluctuation in the body's natural circadian rhythms.
[0036] Further, this method ensures that less of a active substance
is in the bloodstream when disease symptoms and conditions are at
there lowest. Negative side effects can be minimized, while at the
same time active substance efficacy is enhanced by the dosing
regimen.
[0037] Embodiments of the present invention provide for a active
substance-reservoir/patch based transdermal delivery device to
administer the delivery of a active substance to a patch or other
drug reservoir adjacent to the membrane or in close proximity to
the skin for transdermal absorption that absorbs or is filled with
the substance (the administration reservoir) over a period of time
or from time to time in a controllable and/or automated and
programmable way. Significantly, these transdermal delivery devices
include a reusable, active portion that includes a control and
display unit and an active dispensing mechanism, e.g., a micropump
that is in some embodiments a specially configured peristaltic
pump, a pressurized reservoir, a piezo electric pump, osmotic pump,
infusion pump, syringe pump or other actuator.
[0038] Further, the transdermal delivery devices include a
detachable and disposable passive portion that includes a drug
reservoir that is separated from the administration reservoir and
holds the active substance until the micropump or other actuator
places the drug into the administration reservoir for transdermal
absorption and a coupling mechanism/assembly for mating with the
active dispensing mechanism, e.g., when the active dispensing
mechanism is a peristaltic pump the coupling mechanism may include
one or more elongate feed chambers (e.g., flexible tubes) that are
connected to the active substance reservoir and, in many cases, to
the administration reservoir adjacent the membrane or skin or other
material in contact with the skin. The coupling mechanism may be
defined in part by the outer surfaces of a housing for the passive
portion, and these surfaces may include grooves or guides for
receiving and supporting the active dispensing mechanism. In some
cases, the outer surfaces of the housing define an arcuate surface
upon which the feed chamber or tube is disposed such that the shoes
or other portions of the peristaltic pump can compress the tube to
move liquid from the dispensing reservoir to the administration
reservoir near the semi-permeable membrane or patch.
[0039] In addition, in the context of automated transdermal
pulsatile active substance delivery, starting dosing or bringing
the nutraceutical, drug or other active compound (collectively
herein "active substance") into contact with the skin may be only
one part of the necessary methodology. The other part of the
methodology may be to stop dosing or to stop permeation of the
active substance through the skin. Stopping dosing automatically is
extremely useful in certain situations to start and stop dosing so
as to achieve programmed pulsatile active substance delivery. The
present invention not only has dosing or delivering methodologies,
but also methodologies to stop dosing or delivering in a controlled
manner.
[0040] More specifically, in certain embodiments where the stoppage
of permeation or dosing is desired, the active compound or solvent
is removed from the administration reservoir to stop dosing and/or
decrease or end active substance permeation through the skin. In
this embodiment, a active substance and/or solvent removal means is
introduced (solvent/nutraceutical/drug removal means). In this
situation, either the above mentioned micropump or actuator (which
may move gas or air) or a second micropump or actuator (which may
move gas or air) will act to remove, and/or flush the active active
substance formulation or residual active substance formulation/and
or solvent from the administration reservoir into either into a
waste reservoir or other area for evaporation or other removal. The
first or second micropump or actuator, as applicable, may flush the
administration reservoir with air, gas, inactive solution and/or a
combination of these. A heating element may also be present to
either aid in evaporation, if applicable, or to assist in
permeation.
[0041] The inventive system or device allows for pulsatile
transdermal active substance delivery, and the administration of
differing sized dosages at different times of the day
automatically, pursuant to a pre-programmed dosage profile (e.g., a
program stored in memory accessed by the control unit). This system
or device can be most advantageous when the pre-set or programmed
active substance delivery profile corresponds to desired peaks and
troughs in disease symptoms based on chronobiology and a person's
circadian rhythms. This system or device can also be highly
advantageous in addiction management when programmed to coincide
with a person's peak addiction cravings. This system or device can
also be highly advantageous when patient compliance with a
particular delivery regimen is a desired effect so that a person,
whether forgetful, elderly, children, mentally impaired desires to
ensure correct active substance delivery compliance. This device
can also be highly advantageous when a person or physician a doctor
wants to have a active substance administered in differing dosages
while asleep automatically without the need to wake up, or if the
active substance being used is a stimulant and the person does not
want any active substance released at night thereby causing sleep
disturbances, but does want the device to administer active
substance shortly before waking so that therapeutically effective
blood plasma concentrations of the active substance are present
upon waking.
[0042] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
device comprises a control and display unit, a dispensing
mechanism, e.g., a pump, pressurized reservoir or other actuator, a
active substance reservoir, an administration element, and/or a
solvent/nutraceutical/drug removal means (e.g., a desiccant or
evaporative means), and/or a vapor removal element, when
applicable, to the embodiment a waste reservoir, and/or an
additional micropump or actuator. Embodiments of the invention may
include one or more of the following features. The pump may be a
peristaltic pump that includes a micromotor, a roller, a mounting
plate, a tubing, and a housing. As discussed above, the peristaltic
pump is separated into two parts; the first part comprises the
motor on the mounting plate and the roller (e.g., provided in the
reusable portion of the device) and the second part includes the
tubing and the housing (e.g., provided in the detachable and
disposable passive portion of the device). The micromotor and the
roller are mounted in the device with the control unit. The speed
of the micromotor is controlled by the control unit, so that the
turning speed of the roller is controlled which, in turn, controls
the flow rate from the dispensing reservoir to the administration
reservoir. The tubing and the housing are detachable from the
device.
[0043] Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the
following features. The tubing and the housing of the peristaltic
pump and the dispensing or active substance reservoir are combined
together, resulting in one, interconnected disposable and
replaceable dosing element. In other words, this disposable dosing
element (or detachable and disposable passive portion) is a
replaceable dosing capsule, which can be used for one or multiple
dosings. This disposable dosing capsule can be "snapped" into place
prior to substance administration by the patient or other health
worker, and, after the active substance reservoir is exhausted, the
disposable dosing element is "popped" out to be disposed, and a
fresh disposable dosing element is then "snapped" back into the
device. The tubing is provided inside the body of the capsule in
some embodiments. One end of the tubing is connected to the active
substance or dispensing reservoir while the other end of the tube
is a fluidic adapter or distributor near the administration
reservoir or area near the patch or membrane. In certain
embodiments, the waste reservoir, desiccant chamber capturing
vapors evaporated from the nutraceutical/drug/solvent, tubing and
analogous components of the second micro pump or actuator as the
first pump mentioned above, a gas/air cartridge and the
administration reservoir may also be part of this snapped on or
snapped off portion or may be disposable pursuant to another means.
Further, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of
the following features. The disposable dose capsule, the
administration element, and a nutraceutical/drug/solvent removal
element are connected and packed together as a disposable package,
whenever the dosage is needed to applied to skin, the whole
disposable package is changed and replaced into the device.
[0044] More particularly, an apparatus is provided for selectively
delivering a liquid, powder, or temporarily free-flowing solution
(e.g., a active substance formulation or the like). The apparatus
includes an active assembly with a controller and a power source
(e.g., a battery). The apparatus further includes a passive
assembly configured for mechanically coupling and decoupling with
the active assembly. The passive assembly includes a active
substance reservoir containing the active substance formulation to
be delivered. The apparatus further includes a micropump/actuator
combination that acts as the dispensing mechanism with an active
portion in the active assembly that provides a motive force to draw
or otherwise move the active substance formulation from the active
substance reservoir onto or into the administration reservoir. The
micropump/actuator or dispensing mechanism includes a passive
portion provided in the detachable passive assembly so as to be
proximate to the active portion of the micropump/actuator. The
passive portion defines a feed or delivery chamber through which
the active substance formulation flows from the active substance
reservoir when the motive force is applied to the passive portion.
In some embodiments, the micropump/actuator includes a peristaltic
pump with the active portion being made up of: a motor powered by
the power source and operated by the controller to control the
motor speed and its time of operation; a roller with rotatably
mounted shoes; a shaft contacting the roller and driven by the
motor; and a mounting plate supporting the motor. The passive
portion, in turn, includes a housing with a guide slot or recessed
surface for receiving the mounting plate and roller so as to
position one or more of the shoes in contact with an outer surface
of the feed chamber, which in some embodiments is a length of
compressible tubing. The guide slot in these cases may include a
curved surface and the tubing is positioned between the
roller/shoes and the curved surface such that the motive force
includes using the shoes to sequentially compress the tubing.
[0045] The passive assembly may further include an administration
assembly including an administration reservoir connected to the
tubing to receive the active substance formulation and a membrane
adjacent to the administration reservoir that is permeable to an
active or effective substance in the active substance formulation,
but not or less permeable to a solvent portion of the liquid. In
certain embodiments, an absorbent sheet (e.g., blotting paper or
the like) may be provided in the administration reservoir so as to
distribute the received liquid in a relatively uniform manner over
the surface of the membrane. In other embodiments, instead of an
absorbent sheet, the administration reservoir may be or include a
rigid or flexible, permanent or disposable substrate with a
plurality of ducts, conduits or culverts that contain internal
passageways for movement of the active substance formulation and
have either a series of openings or a single opening mounted on the
membrane or skin or otherwise adjacent to the membrane or skin to
allow the active substance formulation to be absorbed or otherwise
transferred or to move from the substrate ducts to the membrane or
skin for transdermal absorption. In this manner, the ducts,
conduits, or culverts or in this substrate can be filled by the
micropump/actuator with active substance formulation originating in
the active substance reservoir. Then, these ducts, conduit, or
culverts can be flushed either by the first micropump actuator or a
second micropump/actuator into a waste reservoir or flushed into an
area for evaporation to begin and stop dosing in an accurate
fashion. Yet further, a heat element may be provided in the
administration assembly near the administration reservoir to raise
the temperature 3 to 10 degrees Celsius over a dermal temperature
to enhance transdermal permeation and/or diffusion and/or movement
of the active substance formulation through the substrate and in
some cases to increase evaporation when it is desired to dry the
reservoir (or absorbent sheet). In the latter instance, the heating
element may be configured with a plurality of flow paths for vapor
or evaporated portions of the liquid (such as solvent vapor) that
facilitates relatively uniform or at least in a well distributed
flow, away from the reservoir.
[0046] The invention may employ internally or externally a wide
range of chemical permeation enhancers such as azones, oleic acid,
ethanol, amino acids, oleyl alcohol, long chain fatty acids,
propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, isopropanol, ethoxydiglycol,
sodium xylene sulfonate, N-methylpyrrolidone, laurocapram,
alkanecarboxylic acids, dimethylsulfoxide, polar lipids,
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, anionic, cationic and non-ionic
surfactants, terpenes, piperine and piperine derivatives, isopropyl
myristate, isopropyl palmitate and the like, which increase the
permeability of the skin to the active material and permit the
active material to penetrate through the skin. Pharmaceutically
acceptable compositions may be combined with one or more agents
including, but not limited to, alcohols, moisturizers, humectants,
oils, emulsifiers, thickeners, thinners, surface-active agents,
fragrances, preservatives, antioxidants, vitamins, or minerals.
[0047] For example, when administering a an active compound
pursuant to a chronopharmacological dosage profile as set forth
herein, using a programmed, transdermal, pulsatile drug delivery
device, a pharmaceutically acceptable composition of an active
material may be combined with either mechanical skin penetration
enhancers including, but not limited to, micro-fabricated
structures commonly referred to as Micro-needles, heat, or
sonophoresis, or a wide range of chemicals.
[0048] Additional advantages and novel features of this invention
shall be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in
part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of the following specification or may be learned by the
practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable
transdermal nutraceutical, drug or active substance (collectively
herein "active substance") delivery device or assembly of the
present invention;
[0050] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the active substance delivery
device of FIG. 1 showing in block form representative components of
a portable device for transdermal active substance delivery;
[0051] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a active substance
delivery device in accordance with the present invention.
Alternatively, permeation through the skin may be assisted by
pretreatment with and/or using micro-fabricated structures commonly
referred to as micro-channels, micro-needles, heating devices,
iontophoretic devices, or sonophoretic devices that are separate or
attached to this device.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an alternative active
substance delivery device in accordance with the present invention.
Alternatively, permeation through the skin may be assisted by
pretreatment with and/or using micro-fabricated structures commonly
referred to as micro-channels and micro-needles, heating devices,
iontophoretic devices, or sonophoretic devices that are separate or
attached to this device.
[0053] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate comparative active substance release
profiles demonstrating operation of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows the flux of a model drug compound (nicotine)
permeated through skin in an in vitro test using a method of the
present invention.
[0055] FIG. 7 shows the blood plasma concentration and test results
of a model drug compound (nicotine) tested on 12 human
subjects.
[0056] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary administration profile for an
automatically delivered delivery system before meals for
nutraceuticals and for anti-aging and weight-loss formulations.
[0057] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary administration profile for an
automatically delivered delivery system after meals for
nutraceuticals and for anti-aging and weight-loss formulations.
[0058] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary administration profile for an
automatically delivered delivery system for 4 doses for
nutraceuticals and for anti-aging and weight-loss formulations.
[0059] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary administration profile for an
automatically delivered glibenclamide delivery system.
[0060] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary administration profile for an
automatically delivered glipizide delivery system.
[0061] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary administration profile for an
automatically delivered rosiglitazone delivery system.
[0062] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary administration profile for an
automatically delivered metformin delivery system.
[0063] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary administration profile for an
automatically delivered delivery system for dextroamphetamine.
[0064] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary administration profile for
ephedrine delivered automatically according to the present
invention.
[0065] FIG. 17 shows an exemplary administration profile for
adrifinal delivered automatically according to the present
invention.
[0066] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary administration profile for
ampakine delivered automatically according to the present
invention.
[0067] FIG. 19 shows an exemplary administration profile for
tacrine delivered automatically according to the present
invention.
[0068] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary administration profile for
donepezil delivered automatically according to the present
invention.
[0069] FIG. 21 shows an exemplary administration profile for
rivastigmine delivered automatically according to the present
invention.
[0070] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary administration profile for
galantamine delivered automatically according to the present
invention.
[0071] FIG. 23 shows an exemplary administration profile for
memantine delivered automatically according to the present
invention.
[0072] FIG. 40 shows an exemplary administration profile for a
wake-up delivery system.
[0073] FIG. 24 shows an exemplary administration profile for
selegiline delivered by a system of the present invention showing
two doses.
[0074] FIG. 25 shows an exemplary administration profile for
ropinirole delivered by a system of the present invention showing
three doses.
[0075] FIG. 26 shows an exemplary administration profile for
apomorphine delivered by a system of the present invention showing
two doses.
[0076] FIG. 27 shows an exemplary administration profile for
pramipexole delivered by a system of the present invention showing
three doses.
[0077] FIG. 28 shows an exemplary administration profile for
biperiden delivered by a system of the present invention showing
three doses.
[0078] FIG. 29 shows an exemplary administration profile for
bromocriptine delivered by a system of the present invention
showing three doses.
[0079] FIG. 30 shows an exemplary administration profile for
levodopa delivered by a system of the present invention showing
four doses.
[0080] FIG. 31 shows an exemplary administration profile for
levodopa delivered by a system of the present invention showing six
doses.
[0081] FIG. 32 shows an exemplary administration profile for
levodopa delivered by a system of the present invention showing
twelve doses.
[0082] FIG. 33 shows an exemplary administration profile for
methylphenidate (Ritaline.RTM.) delivered by a system of the
present invention showing two doses.
[0083] FIG. 34 shows an exemplary administration profile for
methylphenidate (Ritaline.RTM.) delivered by a system of the
present invention showing three doses.
[0084] FIG. 35 shows an exemplary administration profile for
dextro-amphetamine (Adderall.RTM.) delivered by a system of the
present invention.
[0085] FIG. 36 shows an exemplary administration profile for full
strength (Phase I) nicotine delivery system
[0086] FIG. 37 shows an exemplary administration profile for
reduced strength (Phase II) nicotine delivery system
[0087] FIG. 38 shows an exemplary administration profile for
minimal strength (Phase III) nicotine delivery system
[0088] FIG. 39 shows an exemplary administration profile for a
bupropion delivery system.
[0089] FIG. 41 shows an exemplary administration profile for a
nitroglycerin delivery system tailored to treat variant angina
attacks.
[0090] FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a nitroglycerin delivery system tailored to treat stress-induced
angina attack.
[0091] FIG. 43 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
an indomethacin delivery system tailored to arthritis.
[0092] FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a valdecoxib delivery system tailored to treat arthritis.
[0093] FIG. 45 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a tulobuterol delivery system tailored to treat asthma.
[0094] FIG. 46 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a clonidine delivery system tailored to treat hypertension.
[0095] FIG. 47 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a selegiline delivery system tailored to treat depression.
[0096] FIG. 48 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
an oxybutynin delivery system tailored to urinary incontinence.
[0097] FIG. 49 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a zolmitriptan delivery system tailored to treat migraine.
[0098] FIG. 50 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a miglitol delivery system tailored to treat diabetes.
[0099] FIG. 51 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a fentanyl delivery system tailored to treat pain.
[0100] FIGS. 52 A-C illustrate an exemplary administration profile
for 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cisplatin delivery system
tailored to treat cancer.
[0101] FIG. 53 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a zidovudine delivery system tailored to treat AIDS.
[0102] FIG. 54 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a gabapentin delivery system tailored to epilepsy.
[0103] FIG. 55 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a triprolidine delivery system tailored to treat colds and flu.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0104] Biological rhythms are periodic fluctuations in biological
characteristics over time, which also include circadian as well as
seasonal variations. The reality of circadian rhythms in animals
including humans is well known (Halberg et al. J. Exp. Ther. Oncol.
3 (5) 223-260 (2003), Redfern et al. Chronobiology International 11
(4) 253-265 (1994)).
[0105] Circadian (approximately 24-hour) rhythms include the
production of biological molecules such as endorphins, gonadotropin
releasing hormone (GnRH), cortisol and adrenaline. These regulate
the body's temperature and heart rate, changes in characteristics
of blood, such as stickiness, and behaviors such as wakefulness,
sleep and periods of activity.
[0106] Some of the rhythms that affect our bodies include: [0107]
ultradian, which are cycles shorter than a day (for example, the
milliseconds it takes for a neuron to fire, or a 90-minute sleep
cycle) [0108] circadian, which last about 24 hours (such as
sleeping and waking patterns) [0109] infradian, referring to cycles
longer than 24 hours (e.g., monthly menstruation) [0110] seasonal,
such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which causes depression
in susceptible people during the short days of winter.
[0111] Research demonstrates that certain disease symptoms follow a
daily pattern, with peak symptoms at certain times of the day. It
has been widely acknowledged that hormones, neurotransmitters and
other intra-body compounds are released in different amounts at
different times of the day pursuant to daily patterns. It is
believed that the failure of current transdermal systems to
synchronize active substance administration with the body's natural
rhythms often lead to (i) severe side effects, including
debilitating sleep disorders (in the context of night-time nicotine
administration, for example), (ii) ever increasing tolerance (in
the case of nitroglycerin and other pharmaceuticals for example),
(iii) more expensive therapies, due to the fact that more of a
compound is needed because the daily body rhythm is ignored and
time based dosing is not implemented.
[0112] In addition, many addictions follow a daily pattern
consistent with one's circadian rhythms. For example, according to
studies performed, immediately upon waking, smokers have peak
nicotine cravings. These peak cravings return after each meal, due
to the interplay of serotonin release as a trained response to the
culmination of a meal. The present invention precisely times the
administration of active substances so that they reach peak levels
when symptoms are likely to be at their worst, and efficacy is
greatly improved.
[0113] The present invention involves precisely timing the
administration of active substances so that they reach peak levels
in synchronization with times when symptoms are likely to be at
their worst, or times at which the active substances are believed
to be more effective in the body and/or better tolerated by the
patient. The present invention is described in terms of a
particular example of a active substances delivery system that
provides automated and precise control over dosing, with
single-dose capability, (once while people sleep) or capability to
administer separate and varying-sized doses many times throughout a
multiple day period. The present invention also relates to the
administration of different, distinct, active substances and
dosages at different times of the day. The particular
implementation is consistent with a commercial development of a
miniaturized, automated and programmable non-invasive active
substances delivery system called the ChronoDose.TM. system being
developed by the assignee of the present invention. The system
enables controlling of the amount of active substances exposed to
the skin in a controlled time dependent way according to a
programmed administration schedule that implements a desired dosage
profile. In this manner the present invention enables one to
precisely control and vary the time of active substances release
and the amount of each dose, pursuant to an easily set
pre-programmed dosage profile. Research demonstrates that for
certain symptoms, conditions and diseases, active substances
effects can be optimized when administered in a defined (and often
varying) dosage at predefined times. This is known as
Chronopharmacology (Reinberg, A. E., Concepts of Circadian
Chronopharmacology, In "Temporal Control of Drug Delivery" edited
by Hrushesky, W. J. M., et al, Annal NY Academy of Science, New
York. Volume 618 102-115 (1991), Lemmer, B. Pharmacol Res. 33(2)
107-15 (1996)).
[0114] To illustrate the importance of Chronopharmacology consider
the following facts: [0115] Asthma attacks are 100 times more
likely between 4:00 and 6:00 AM. [0116] Heart attacks and strokes
are most likely to occur around 6:00 AM. [0117] Variant Angina
attacks occur 30 times more often in the middle of the night
between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. [0118] Smokers experience the highest
cravings immediately upon waking up. [0119] Lethargy and difficulty
getting out of bed is highest immediately upon waking up early in
the morning. [0120] Cold and flu symptoms peak during nighttime and
early morning hours, when cold medications are wearing off.
[0121] Chronopharmacokinetics is defined as the predictable changes
observed in the plasma levels of drugs and in the parameters used
to characterize the pharmacokinetics of a drug. Studies on animals
and humans indicate that the C.sub.max, T.sub.max, AUC and
half-life often vary as a function of the hour of administration of
the drug. Table 1 presents a list of medications for which temporal
changes in pharmacokinetics have been documented. See, Labrecque,
G., et al. Chronopharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical News, 4 (2) 17-21
(1997).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Drugs with documented time-dependent changes
in pharmacokinetics CLASSES OF DRUGS SPECIFIC MEDICATIONS Analgesic
and NSAID aspirin, sodium salicylate, acetaminophen, ketoprofene,
phenyl butazone, indomethacin CNS Drugs hexabarbitol,
carbamazepine, clorazepate, diazepam, triazolam, lorazepam,
midazolam, amitryptiline, sodium valproate Cardiovascular Drugs
atenolol, metoprolol, lidocaine, dipyridamole, digoxine
Anti-asthmatic Drugs aminophylline, theophyline, terbutaline
Antibiotic ampicillin, erythromicin, griseofulvin, cefoxizime
Anti-cancer Agents Cisplatin
[0122] We have carefully identified specific active substances and
diseases because they have the following attributes: (i)
Chronopharmacology is critical to optimized dosing but is not being
implemented because no automated transdermal system exists, and
(ii) these active substances are preferably transdermally absorbed
passively (i.e., without the need for external modulation or
pre-treatment such as sonophoresis, iontophoresis, electrophoresis,
electroporation, or other permeation enhancement.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Examples of Disease States for ChronoDose
.TM. Application THERAPEUTIC DISEASE OR CHRONO-PHARMACOLOGY AREA
CONDITION RATIONALE Cancer Various forms Chemotherapy may be more
effective and less toxic if drugs are administered at carefully
selected times that take advantage of tumor cell cycle times while
less toxic to normal tissue. Cardiovascular Angina Angina (variant)
attacks occur 30 times more often between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
.fwdarw. Larger doses of Nitroglycerin early in the morning Heart
Attacks and Heart attacks and strokes are most likely between
Strokes 6:00 a.m. and Noon. .fwdarw. Cardiovascular active drugs
before waking. Hypercholesterolemia A circadian rhythm occurs
during hepatic cholesterol synthesis, which is generally higher
during the night than during daylight. Studies with HMG CoA
reductase inhibitors suggest that evening dosing is more effective
than morning dosing. .fwdarw. Simvastatin in evening and during
night. Hypertension Automatically and precisely release clonidine
or other hypertension drugs in peak amounts to offset the peak
symptoms associated with the dangerous morning symptoms. .fwdarw.
Clinidine, Captopril or other medication in the morning. CNS
Degenerative Parkinson's Disease Automated dosing for patient
compliance Disorders .fwdarw.Selegiline, Benztropine, Apomorphine
Alzheimer's Disease Automated dosing for patient compliance
.fwdarw.Rivastigmine, Memantine Diabetes Diabetes (Type II)
Automated dosing for elderly patient compliance. Oral medication is
poorly absorbed. .fwdarw. Miglitol before meals. Glibenclamide
Epilepsy Epileptic seizure Epileptic seizures are most likely
between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. .fwdarw. Gabapentan or other
Epileptic drugs before waking up Pulmonary Asthma Asthma attacks
are 100 times more likely between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Adrenaline and Cortisol are virtually absent at night. .fwdarw.
Albuterol or Tulobuterol in early morning. Pain Acute Pain
Neurological pain is worst between 3:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m .fwdarw.
Fentanyl in the middle of night. Migraine Headaches Migraine
headaches usually begin and occur and/or Cluster between 8:00 a.m.
and 10:00 a.m. Cluster headaches headaches start earlier, around
4:00 a.m. .fwdarw. Zolmitriptan or dihydroergotamine in the middle
of night. Mental Health Depression Selegiline at night can create
sleeping disorders (nightmares), but depression symptoms are high
immediately upon waking up .fwdarw. Selegiline before waking up
Inflammation Rheumatoid Worst upon awakening. Cortisol and
Arthritis, anti-inflammatory hormones are very low at night
Osteoarthritis .fwdarw. Indomethacin or Valdecoxib before waking
up. Woment's Health Tocolytic Therapy Programmed-in-time
administration of tocolytic medication relative to the circadian
rhythm in uterine contractility to avert preterm labor and birth.
.fwdarw. Nifedipine, Terbutaline or Ritodrine synchronized with
uterine contractions. OTC Smoking Cessation Nicotine at night
creates sleeping disorders (nightmares), but cravings are the
highest immediately upon waking .fwdarw. Nicotine before waking up.
Circadian rhythm Adrenaline is lowest in the morning, making early
sleep disorders and morning waking uncomfortable and difficult for
Morning Lethargy many people..fwdarw. OTC Stimulant before waking
Insomnia Some sleep medications induce drowsiness but do not
provide for continuous sleep in sensitive patients. .fwdarw.
Pulsatile and low dose delivery of sleep medication will provide
continuous sleep. Peptic Ulcer Disease Gastric acid secretion
increases in late afternoon and early night. Also, partial
nocturnal resistance to H.sub.2-blockade has been noted. .fwdarw.
H.sub.2-blockers (ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine, roxatidine,
nizatidine) during the night. Drugs other than H.sub.2-blockers or
antibiotics during the night. Jet lag Melatonin can be used to
reset circadian rhythms. Shift work Colds and Flu Heaviest symptoms
overnight and in the morning. .fwdarw. Cold/Flu medicine during the
night. Triprolidine, Doxylamine Supplements/weight Vitamins and
Supplements are best administered loss in low doses over the course
of the day to be most effective.
[0123] The construction and use of transdermal patches for the
delivery of pharmaceutical agents is known. See, for example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,370,635, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference. Such patches may be constructed using a saturated or
unsaturated media, pressurized reservoirs, or unpressurized
reservoirs with micropumps for continuous, pulsatile, or on-demand
delivery of an active material.
[0124] Device
[0125] The present invention is generally directed to a portable
active substance delivery device that can controllably deliver a
particular dose accurately and in a timed manner. The devices of
the invention are typically configured with a reusable portion and
a disposable portion. The reusable portion typically includes the
display and control components such as a microprocessor, memory,
interfaces, and power source and also includes the active portion
of a dispensing mechanism (e.g., active portion of a micropump).
The disposable portion can be selectively coupled or attached to
the reusable portion and includes the passive portion of the
dispensing mechanism (e.g., a micropump housing and feed or
delivery chamber/tubing) as well as the active substance or
dispensing reservoir and also the administration assembly that may
include an administration reservoir, a diffusion membrane, and a
solvent removal element. In this manner, the present invention
addresses problems with a membrane having a decreasing diffusivity
that may be caused by saturation with solvent, the contact surface
becoming dirty or clogged, or other factors. The device also
facilitates the reuse of more expensive components such as the
microprocessor, memory components, a liquid crystal display (LCD)
or other display, and active pump portions. These and other unique
features of the invention will become apparent in the following
description.
[0126] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a portable active
substance delivery device or assembly 1 of the present invention.
The device 1 is shown to generally take the form of a wrist watch
for easy attachment to a patient's arm or wrist to place an
administration element and more specifically a diffusion membrane
for transdermal delivery (or, in some cases, a needle for
subcutaneous delivery), e.g., an administration assembly that can
be removed from the reusable portion of the device 1 shown in FIG.
1 is provided on the underside or reverse side of the device 1. The
device 1 includes a display 90 to allow a patient or user of the
device 1 to obtain a status of a dosing regimen, e.g., to know
whether the device 1 actively dosing, when a next dose may be
administered, how many doses remain for the device based on the
particular disposable dosing element, or the like. An input area or
keyboard/keypad 93 is provided to allow the user to alter the
display 90 and otherwise interact with the device 1.
[0127] FIG. 2 illustrates in block form the components of the
device 1 in one embodiment of the invention. The portable device 1
as shown is configured for transdermal active substance delivery
and includes a control and display unit 7, a dispensing mechanism
2, a active substance reservoir 3, an administration element 5, a
solvent removal element 4, and a battery 6. A liquid is typically
provided in the active substance reservoir 3 for dispensing via
feed chamber or delivery tube 13. The liquid includes a sufficient
or predetermined amount of one or more active substances dissolved
or dispersed at an appropriate concentration in a formulation that
contains a solvent (or more volatile liquid) or a mixture of
solvent along with the active substances. For example, the solvent
may include one or more generally regarded as safe (GRAS) agents
such as water, ethanol and other low molecular weight alcohols,
acetone, ethyl acetate, volatile oils or the like. If appropriate,
other excipients may be provided in the reservoir 3 such as tissue
permeation promoter (enhancers), thickening substances, solubizers,
buffers, chemical stabilizers, preservatives, moisturizers,
humectants, emulsifiers, thinners, surface-active agents,
fragrances, or the like.
[0128] The invention can also contain agents known to accelerate
the release of the active substance onto the body surface or
through the skin in the active substance formulation or adjacent to
the skin. This class of agents includes those with diverse
mechanisms of action including those which have the function of
improving the solubility and diffusivity of the active substance
and which improve percutaneous absorption. For example, by changing
the stratum corneum's (skin) ability to retain moisture, softening
the skin, improving the skin's permeability, acting as penetration
assistants or hair-follicle openers or changing the state of the
skin including the boundary layer. Some of these agents have more
than one mechanism of action and can, in addition, enhance the
efficacy of the active substance. Some examples of these permeation
enhancers are glycerol, ethanol, isopropanol and other low
molecular weight alcohols and glycols such as diethylene glycol,
propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol which enhance compound
solubility, oils such as olive oil, squalene or lanolin which
enhance active substance diffusibility, urea and urea derivatives
such as allantoin which affect the ability of keratin to retain
moisture, polar solvents such as dimethyldecylphosphoxide,
methyloctylsulfoxide, dimethyllaurylamide, dodecylpyrrolidone,
isosorbitol, dimethyl-acetonide, dimethylsulfoxide,
decylmethylsulfoxide and dimethylformamide which affect keratin
permeability, salicylic acid which softens the keratin, amino acids
which are penetration assistants, benzyl nicotinate which is a hair
follicle opener,
[0129] Additional chemical permeation enhancers such as oleic acid,
amino acids, oleyl alcohol, long chain fatty acids, ethoxydiglycol,
sodium xylene sulfonate, ethanol, N-methylpyrrolidone, laurocapram,
alkanecarboxylic acids, polar lipids, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and
the like, which increase the permeability of the skin to the active
material and permit the active material to penetrate through the
skin and into the bloodstream are also included. Included also are
cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants and higher molecular
weight aliphatic surfactants such as lauryl sulfate salts which
change the surface state of the skin and active substance
administered, concomitantly which have good percutaneous
absorption.
[0130] Other agents include carvone and other azones, lactic acid,
linoleic and ascorbic acids, terpenes such as limonene, panthenol,
butylated hydroxytoluene, propyl oleate and propyl or isopropyl
myristates as well as tetrahydropiperine and analogs and
derivatives thereof, including dihydropiperine. Additional,
penetration enhancement as described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,849,645,
6,019,997; 5,601,839; 5,834,010; 5,472,946; 5,262,165 and 5,149,719
are incorporated herein by reference.
[0131] A wide variety of active substances can be delivered through
transdermal systems so long as the active substance can be provided
in a form that can cross the skin barrier, see for example U.S.
Pat. No. 6,638,528, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Examples of active substances are included in the application
section below. However, other APIs include, but are not limited, to
nicotine, steroid hormones, analgesics, antioxidants, vitamins, CNS
drugs, cardiovascular drugs, anti-asthmatics, antibiotics,
anti-cancer drugs, and the like and the invention is intended to
cover any nutraceutical, drug or other substance for which it is
desirable to provide to a patient or other body (animal or human)
in a time and dose controlled manner.
[0132] The control and display unit 7 can be implemented, for
example, by a microprocessor 91 with a LCD or other display 90 and
a drive circuit and/or interface 92. The microprocessor 91 is
programmed (with software, such as a dosing regimen routine or the
like, in memory for example) as a programmable timer to send a
control signal to the dispensing mechanism 2 through the drive
circuit 92 at multiple timing points. Battery 6 provides power to
the device 1. In a specific embodiment, the dispensing mechanism 2
is a two-part peristaltic micropump (e.g., a peristaltic pump with
an active portion that is provided with reusable portion of device
1 and a passive portion that is provided with detachable and
disposable portion 40) that delivers a active substance formulation
from the active substance reservoir 3 to the administration element
5 at a certain flow rate and a certain duration that are defined by
the microprocessor 91 of the control and display unit 7.
[0133] In some embodiments, the active substance reservoir 3 is in
form of a collapsible balloon that contains active substance
formulation. A flexible and collapsible reservoir 3 is preferable
in the device 1 to avoid backpressures that may resist flow from
the reservoir 3 if a more rigid-walled reservoir were utilized. The
walls of the reservoir 3 are also preferably resist permeation,
i.e., are non-permeable or relatively impermeable, of the
solvent/nutraceutical/drug mixture or formulation and in this
regard, the walls may be formed of Teflon.TM., a high molecular
membrane, or other similar material.
[0134] The administration element 5 is typically provided in the
disposable, detachable portion or unit 40 to allow it to be
periodically replaced with a new element 5. This is useful for
providing a new membrane to achieve a known diffusion rate and to
provide a new administration reservoir (and any wicking material or
the like provided in such an administration reservoir as discussed
below). As shown, the administration element 5 includes an
administration reservoir 34 and a diffusion membrane 35 (e.g., a
membrane that allows a particular diffusion rate for the active
substance in the liquid or mixture in the active substance
reservoir 3 but is impermeable or much less permeable to the
solvent). One important aspect of the invention is the inclusion of
material, such as blotting paper or sheet, in the reservoir 34 to
uniformly distribute the formulation to the diffusion membrane both
in volume (e.g., the liquid is relatively equally provided over the
upper surface of the membrane rather than much more at the outlet
of the feed or delivery chamber/tube 13) and at a relatively
uniform rate. For example, in one embodiment, the administration
element 5 includes an absorption sheet (e.g., blotting paper or the
like to "wick" the liquid from chamber or tube 13 over the
administration reservoir 34) and a membrane, which are laminated
tightly together at their interface and typically to the edges of
the frame of the element 5.
[0135] The particular film or membrane used for membrane 35 is not
limiting and may include any conventional materials such as
silicones and siloxanes, microporous polyethylene and/or
microporous polypropylene, polyethylene co-vinyl acetate (EVA
copolymer) ranging from 2% to 40% vinyl acetate content,
polyurethane and the like.
[0136] An adhesive covering the perimeter or the entire skin
adjacent area may include, but is not limited to, silicone,
polyisobutylene (PIB), acrylic adhesives and other pressure
sensitive adhesives (PSAs), as well as ethylcellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, poly (ethylene co-vinyl acetate) (EVA),
polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly
(ethylene vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) and the
like, which may be in a dry or wet form, crosslinked or not
crosslinked, or any mixture to provide the composition in gel or
hydrogel form or adhesive state. These may be dissolved in solvents
such as water, ethanol, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate and the
like and processed or applied as a hot melt.
[0137] A device-skin interface coupling media and/or control
membrane or layer may further be provided of ethylcellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, poly(ethylene co-vinyl acetate) (EVA
copolymer), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), poly(ethylene oxide)
(PEO), poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(acrylic acid)
(PAA), silicones and siloxanes, polyisobutylene (PIB), hydrogels
and the like.
[0138] Tubing or a feed chamber 13 is provided in the detachable
and disposable unit 40 to connect the active substance reservoir 3
to the administration element 5 through passive portion of the
dispensing mechanism 2. When the device 1 is positioned for use,
the membrane 35 is preferably in tight contact with the skin using
an adhesive and/or wristband. The device 1 then operates to provide
even diffusion of the active substance over the active substance
absorption surface area of the membrane 35. A solvent removal
element 4 is typically provided in the device 1 (e.g., in the
reusable portion as shown or in the disposable portion in some
cases) to control dosing by removing the solvent or fluid mixture.
The element 4 may include desiccant, absorbent material, or other
material to absorb evaporating solvent, with the element 4 being
connected to the administration element such as by one or more
tubes (not shown). A connection is shown between the interface or
drive circuit 92 of control unit 7, and this may be used to sense
the concentration of a active substance in the administration
reservoir 34 and to control operation of the solvent removal
element (e.g., in embodiments where active components are provided
to further solvent removal as discussed below). In some
embodiments, these connections may also be used to allow the
control 7 to receive temperature signals from a sensor contacting
or near the reservoir 34 and/or membrane 35.
[0139] In some preferred embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 2 is
a micropump, e.g., positive displacement micropump. For example,
the pump 2 may be a two part piezoelectric micropump in which the
drive or active portion is provided in the reusable portion of the
device 1 and the chamber 13 is provided in the disposable portion
40. In one preferred embodiment, the micropump is configured as a
two-part peristaltic pump that can be provided as an active part
and a passive part to allow the active part to be provided in the
reusable portion of device 1 and the passive parts including the
tube or feed chamber 13 and portions of the pump housing (including
the compression surface) provided in the detachable and disposable
portion 40.
[0140] The use of a peristaltic pump as the dispensing mechanism 2
provides significant advantages for a active substance delivery
device according to the invention. These advantages include low
risk of active substance formulation contamination as the active
substance only contacts the tubing and not the drive components of
the pump 2 and this tube 13 is disposed of with the disposable
unit. The use of a peristaltic pump 2 also provides simple and
cost-effective operation, accuracy of dosing, low maintenance,
self-priming, and gentle pumping action, as well as the ability to
pump liquid, mixed-phase and viscous fluids, and the elimination of
the need to clean or flush the pump or tubing of substance residue,
to ensure sterility of the device over period of time. One of the
chief advantages of the peristaltic pump 2 for the active substance
delivery device 1 is that the active substance ormulation from the
active substance reservoir 3 to the administration element 5 does
not contact any internal parts. Seals and valves are not needed as
in other pumps.
[0141] Various types of micropumps have been developed for
delivering or dispensing a controlled flow of a liquid in a small,
measurable (or known) quantity. In the field of drug delivery, it
is recognized that supplying a drug in a correct temporal pattern
is an important attribute of any drug delivery methodology.
Controlled release drug delivery systems, such as those described
herein, are intended to improve the response to a active substance
and/or lessen side effects of that active substance. This is also
important in the field of chronopharmacology, where biological
rhythms are an important aspect of clinical pharmacology and are
preferably taken into account when controlling a active substance
delivery system (or selecting a dosing regimen).
[0142] There has been an extensive amount of research into the
design of various micropumps. Currently, most micropumps are driven
by a piezoelectric element bonded to a flexible membrane covering
the pump chamber. Many research groups have developed various
micropumps such as pumps with pumping pressures over 7 m of water
and micropumps using nozzles and/or diffuser components, which even
at miniature length scales results in accurate flow volume control
and high reliability. Some of these micropumps are relatively low
cost, high performance silicon micropumps for disposable active
substance delivery systems (such as the micropump described in
Maillefer, D., et al., "A High Performance Silicon Micropump for an
Implantable Drug Delivery System," Technical Digest MEMS '99, pp.
541-46, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference).
Similarly, the piezoelectric diaphragm micropumps available from
Star Micronics may be used in the dispensing mechanism of the
invention, and generally include a diaphragm bonded to a
piezo-ceramic element that mechanically vibrates to induce change
of chamber volume and, thus, conveys fluid or gas through the pump
chamber (which, in the embodiments described above, would be in the
passive portion of the dispensing mechanism).
[0143] However, it should be noted that there might be some
drawbacks to using piezoelectric materials to achieve a micropump
(although they have been well developed where a pump element is
oscillated by the application of electrical impulses on
piezoelectric elements to create a pressure differential in a
liquid). First, piezoelectric elements are formed from brittle
crystal materials that are difficult and expensive to machine,
particularly on small scales. Second, piezoelectric materials
generally are not suitable for contacting liquids. Micropumps that
exploit piezoelectric movement typically must be designed to
insulate the piezoelectric material from contact with liquid.
Third, even though the power consumption of the piezoelectric
micropump is typically low, electrical circuitry with a high
voltage supply is necessary to drive and control piezoelectric
movement, which requires a certain voltage and current power supply
to work. For portable devices and devices powered by a battery,
this presents a challenge for using a piezoelectric pump in the
dispensing mechanism.
[0144] In contrast, peristaltic pumps are desirable for use in the
dispensing mechanism as they use a flexible tube that is compressed
by a series of shoes on a roller to induce liquid flow. Such pumps
provide a positive displacement and require little or no
maintenance. A continuous tube that contains the fluid to be moved
(such as in a cooling embodiment) or delivered sits between the
shoes and a rigid wall (e.g., the curved surface provided the
housing of the passive portion of the dispensing mechanism). The
shoes pinch the tube against the wall as the roller is turned by an
electric motor, which creates a positive pressure on the output
side of the tube and a negative pressure on the input side.
Peristaltic pumps are self-priming, and the only material in
contact with the solution or liquid is the tube. Thus, a wide
variety of fluid-compatible tube material can be selected to meet
the life expectancy (e.g., the expected number of cycles and the
like). There is a demand for a battery-driven or a
low-voltage-driven micropump that is able to induce an amount of
liquid flow. For life sciences, it is often preferable that the
micropump be relatively inexpensive and disposable.
[0145] The pump tube is typically a consumable part and may be
frequently changed to avoid any possible contamination. Given the
small size of the micropump (e.g., several millimeters in its
physical dimension and several micrometers to hundreds of
micrometers on the tube dimension), changing such tubes may be
difficult. Hence, the desirability to provide a detachable,
disposable passive portion as discussed.
[0146] An exemplary implementation (shown in FIG. 3) comprises a
collapsible active substance reservoir, an expandable waste
reservoir, a micro-pump, electronics for automation, a display, and
a highly permeable membrane. Further, a heating element or a gas or
air blowing apparatus may be used to assist evaporation of liquids
into the waste reservoir or the environment. An exemplary system is
described in a United Kingdom patent entitled Transdermal Drug
Delivery and Method filed on Sep. 13, 2004, Application No.
PCT/IB2004/002947, which is incorporated herein by reference. The
active substance reservoir will contain between about 0.4 ml and 4
ml of active substance formulation. A tiny, miniaturized pump is
activated at pre-programmed times and releases a predefined amount
of active substance formulation into the active substance chamber,
where the formulation comes into contact with diffusion matrix.
This diffusional matrix is in intimate contact with a highly
permeable membrane. This membrane rests on the skin, and provides
for even diffusion of the active substance over the device's active
substance absorption surface area. This membrane works effectively
with, and can be coated with, an adhesive, hydrogel or polymer
substance, which allows for rapid transport kinetics. In operation,
when the administration of the active substance needs to be
discontinued, the remaining active substance formulation is either
removed or evaporated from the membrane area via a waste chamber
containing a desiccant, some other hydrophilic substance, or the
device is taken off. Further, to achieve chronopharmacological
active substance delivery for active substance that may not
passively pass through the skin adequately, the above described
device may use permeation enhancers whereby permeation through the
skin is assisted, such as mechanical permeation enhancers that
include micro-fabricated structures commonly referred to as
micro-needles, light, or heat, or iontophoresis, electroporation,
sonophoresis, or a wide range of chemical permeation enhancers.
[0147] In an implementation shown in FIG. 4, a pressurized active
substance reservoir is used which minimizes or eliminates need for
a micropump. Electronics control a valve that allows controlled
quantities of the active substance to be applied to the active
substance chamber where the formulation comes into contact with
highly permeable membrane. Further, to achieve
chronopharmacological active substance delivery for active
substance that may not passively pass through the skin adequately,
the above described device may use permeation enhancers whereby
permeation through the skin is assisted, such as mechanical
permeation enhancers that include micro-fabricated structures
commonly referred to as micro-needles, light, or heat, or
iontophoresis, electroporation, electrophoresis, sonophoresis
(collectively referred to herein as the Mechanical Permeation
Enhancers) or a wide range of chemical permeation enhancers.
[0148] The design of the present invention minimizes or eliminates
the need for cleaning the peristaltic pump of the device. Another
main practical advantage of this design is to avoid shelf-time
problems of the device. Our embodiment separates the peristaltic
pump into two parts, the active and passive parts, in order to
retain the expensive active part of the peristaltic pump in the
device and combine the passive part with the active substance
reservoir.
[0149] A typical reservoir may provide active substance volumes
that can be applied for multiple days (such as for 3 or more days),
and controlled transdermal release of an active material such as a
active substance can be timed and dosages selected to better match
a body's rhythms to enhance chronopharmacological efficacy.
[0150] In a particular application the replaceable reservoir can
include a description of an administration schedule that can be
used to manually or automatically program device with an
administration schedule. For example, a written schedule can be
printed on or affixed to the reservoir or electrically programmed
using volatile or non-volatile memory. In this manner, a dosing
profile can be prescribed and filled by a pharmacy in much the same
manner as a conventional active substance prescription is handled
today.
[0151] Specifically, the co-pending and published U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/162,525, entitled "Biosynchronous
Transdermal Drug Delivery" filed Sep. 13, 2005, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, describes the use
of specific dosing regimens to select dosing (e.g., flow rates to
the administration element) and also the timing of such dosages to
enhance the effectiveness of the particular active substance (e.g.,
treat heart attack and stroke in early morning hours, treat
arthritis prior to a patient awakening, and the like). This
references teaching is incorporated for use in configuring the
dosing regimen and otherwise for controlling operation of the
processor 91 and other processors for operating the dispensing
mechanism 2 (its flow rate and timing/duration of operation) and
solvent removal components.
[0152] The present invention represents the first true non-invasive
chronopharmacological active substance delivery device. While
current transdermal applications are restricted to the dosage
profile shown in FIG. 5a, the automated implementation of the
present invention can be programmed for a variety of active
substance delivery patterns to achieve customized patient dosing
regiments for optimal therapy (FIG. 5b).
[0153] The following examples are set forth to describe the
invention in greater detail. They are intended to illustrate, not
to limit, the invention.
Example 1
In Vitro Evaluation of Skin Permeability
[0154] FIG. 6 shows in vitro flux results of a model compound
(nicotine) delivery through human cadaver skin (dermatomed to 0.5
mm) by the ChronoDose.TM. prototype programmed and automatically
operated via software and laptop computer. The area of skin
permeation was 10 cm.sup.2. A 100 mg/ml nicotine formulation in
ethanol/water 1/1 was dispensed at 0, 1, 8, 9, 16 and 17 hours into
the experiment. Each time, 200 .mu.l of formulation was dispensed
on a 10 cm.sup.2 surface area of interface of diffusion, separated
from the skin by the EVA membrane. Using proprietary software, the
prototype was triggered by a laptop computer. Additionally, the
dose quantity was strictly controlled and monitored. Drug flux
samples were obtained using a flow-through Franz cell permeation
system with samples collected every 15 minutes. Hourly time point
samples were analyzed and recorded. Samples were analyzed by UV/Vis
spectrophotometry.
[0155] The results demonstrate that three cycles of on/off delivery
were achieved with this protocol for both drug reservoir
concentrations within 24 hours corresponding to three drug delivery
pulses. The maximum transdermal flux value reached under these in
vitro conditions was 160 .mu.g/cm.sup.2/hr and was comparable for
all three cycles demonstrating a good reproducibility of the
process.
Example 2
Clinical Study
[0156] The device, described herein, was tested on 12 healthy male
volunteers for an open, three-periods, single center,
dose-escalation study using nicotine as the model compound. FIG. 7
shows test result on 12 human subjects. The dose escalation trial
showed statistically significant modulation and control of the
dosing profiles. Using low, medium and high concentrations, for 16
hours, the model drug permeated each subject's skin on multiple
occasions, resulting in clear and distinct peaks and troughs of
therapeutically effective and well-targeted blood plasma
concentration levels.
[0157] Although the invention has been described and illustrated
with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the
present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that
numerous changes in the combination and arrangement of parts can be
resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention, as hereinafter claimed. For
example, the devices may also utilize piezoelectric or thermal
droplet jet technology, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,077,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as
described, as well as components other than heating elements to
enhance drug diffusion such as components to implement
iontophoresis, sonophoresis, and/or mechanical or chemical
permeation enhancers.
[0158] In using this system, the present invention can preprogram
the times and amount of each dosage by precisely controlling the
amount of active substance exposed to the skin during each dosing.
This feature is advantageous when a active substance is best
administered during sleep, e.g., 1 to 2 hours before waking up. The
present invention precisely counteracts peak disease symptoms and
increase patient compliance.
[0159] There are many advantages for a controlled transdermal
release of an active material such as a active substance. As used
herein, the term `controlled` or `sustained` release of an active
material includes continuous or discontinuous, linear or non-linear
release of the active material according to a programmed schedule.
Among the advantages of controlled release are the convenience of a
single application for the patient, avoidance of peaks and valleys
in systemic concentration which can be associated with repeated
injections, the potential to reduce the overall dosage of the
active material, lower body stress, and the potential to enhance
the pharmacological effects of the active material. A lower,
sustained dose can also prevent adverse affects that are
occasionally observed with infusion therapy. In addition to
significantly reducing the cost of care, controlled release active
substance therapy can free the patient from repeated treatment or
hospitalization, thus offering the patient greater flexibility and
improving patient compliance.
[0160] A controlled release formulation of certain active
substances also provides an opportunity to use the active substance
in a manner not previously exploited or considered. The present
invention is particularly advantageous when (i) known
chronopharmacological information indicates that a active
substance's effects can be optimized when administered in a defined
dosage at a predefined time or times, and/or (ii) patient
compliance with the dosing regimen is greatly increased due to
automation, i.e. doses are required at inopportune times, i.e. at
night while sleeping. For example, the drug delivery regimen of the
present invention is administered to treat a condition selected
from the group consisting of vitamin and/or mineral deficiency,
Cancer, Addiction, Arthritis, Parkinson's Disease, Attention
Deficit Disorder, Cardiovascular Disorder, Cold/Flu Symptoms, Pain,
Childhood Bronchial Asthma, Peptic Ulcer, Post-operative
Recuperation, and so forth as shown below.
Application
Nutraceuticals
[0161] The term "nutraceutical" was coined from "nutrition" and
"pharmaceutical" in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, MD, founder and
chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine (FIM),
Cranford, N.J. According to DeFelice, nutraceutical can be defined
as, "a food (or part of a food) that provides medical or health
benefits, including the prevention and/or treatment of a disease."
However, the term nutraceutical as commonly used in marketing has
no regulatory definition.
[0162] A nutraceutical is any substance that may be considered a
food or part of a food and provides medical or health benefits,
including the prevention and treatment of disease. Such products
may range from isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and diets to
genetically engineered "designer" foods, herbal products and
processed foods such as cereals, soups and beverages.
[0163] Substances and/or their derivatives which may be used in the
present invention include but are not limited to:
[0164] Stimulants: [0165] Adrenergic stimulants such as:
adrenaline, ephedrine and ephedrine derivatives, and dopamine.
[0166] Methylxanthines such as: caffeine, theobromine, theophylline
and their derivatives. [0167] Ampakines such as: CX-516 (Ampalex),
CX546, CX614 and CX717. [0168] Other stimulants, anorexigens and
anorectics such as cocaine, etc.
[0169] Pharmaceuticals such as cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor
antagonists (rimonabant, Acomplia.TM.), humoral feedback signals
leptin, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, or their re-uptake inhibitors,
agonists or antagonists, appetite-regulating hormones such as
peptide YY 3-36 and the like.
[0170] Nutritional agents, such as:
[0171] Minerals and Metals: i.e. boron, calcium, magnesium,
chromium, selenium, zinc, etc.
[0172] Vitamins: Vitamin A (Retinoids (include: retinol, retinal,
retinoic acid, 3-dehydroretinol and its derivatives); Vitamin B1
(Thiamine); Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin); Vitamin B3 (Niacin); Vitamin
B5 (Pantothenic acid); Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine); Vitamin B7
(Biotin); Vitamin B9 (Folic acid); Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin);
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid); Vitamin D2-D4 (Lumisterol,
Ergocalciferol, Cholecalciferol, Dihydrotachysterol,
7-Dehydrocholesterol); Vitamin E (Tocopherol, Tocotrienol) and
Vitamin K (Naphthoquinone).
[0173] Amino Acids Isoleucine, Alanine, Leucine, Asparagine,
Lysine, Aspartate, Methionine, Cysteine, Phenylalanine, Glutamate,
Threonine, Glutamine, Tryptophan, Glycine, Valine, Proline,
Arginine, Serine, Histidine and Tyrosine.
[0174] Aside from the twenty standard amino acids and the two
special amino acids, selenocysteine and pyrrolysine, there are a
vast number of "nonstandard amino acids." Examples of nonstandard
amino acids include the sulfur-containing taurine and
n-acetylcysteine and the neurotransmitters GABA and dopamine. Other
examples are Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine), lanthionine,
2-Aminoisobutyric acid, and dehydroalanine, ornithine and
citrulline.
[0175] Coenzymes: Coenzyme A, Coenzyme B12, Coenzyme Q, NAD, FAD,
ATP, molybdopterin, etc.
[0176] Antioxidants such as Glutathione, Lutein, alpha-lipoic acid,
polyphenols--including Pycnogenol (pine bark antioxidant), Grape
seed extract, superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), epicatechin,
proanthocyanidins, sulfoxides, etc.
[0177] Botanicals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, plant extracts,
herbs, naturopathic, homeopathic drugs and substances,
nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, Ayuervedic xtracts, tissue
extractions, antioxidants and the like. These include but are not
limited to: Guarana and Brown Seaweed, or Fucus Vesiculosis, 5 HTP,
yerba mate, flaxseed oil, L-caritine, Synephrine (oxedrine;
Sympatol), Coleus forskohlii (forskohlin), diiodotyrosine, chromium
poly-nicotinate, garlic extract, yeast extract, fatty acids,
omega-3 fish oil, kava and kavalactones, Aniracetam, Bromocriptine,
Carnosine, Centrophenoxine, Deprenyl, Gerovital-H3, Hydergine,
Idebenone, Melatonin, Piracetam, Pramiracetam, Pyritinol,
Resveratrol, Vinpocetine and Vitamin C, thymus, yohimbine, Morinda
citrifolia (Noni, containing Proxeronine, Proxeronase, Xeronine,
Damnacanthal and Scopoletin), etc.
[0178] Steroids and steroid precursors:
[0179] Some of the common categories of steroids include: [0180]
Anabolic steroids are a class of steroids that interact with
androgen receptors to increase muscle and bone synthesis. There are
natural and synthetic anabolic steroids. These are the "steroids"
used by athletes to increase performance. [0181] Corticosteroids
include glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoids: [0182]
Glucocorticoids regulate many aspects of metabolism and immune
function, and are often prescribed by doctors to reduce
inflammatory conditions like asthma and arthritis. [0183]
Mineralocorticoids corticosteroids that help maintain blood volume
and control renal excretion of electrolytes. [0184] Sex steroids
are a subset of sex hormones that produce sex differences or
support reproduction. They include androgens, estrogens, and
progestagens. [0185] Phytosterols--steroids naturally occurring in
plants. [0186] Ergosterols--steroids occurring in fungi. This
includes some Vitamin D supplements.
[0187] Examples include but are not limited to androgens,
estrogens, and progestational agents, hydrocortisone,
hydrocorticosterone acetate, cortisone acetate, dexamethasone and
its derivatives such as betamethasone, triamcinolone,
methyltestosterone, 17-.beta.-estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, ethinyl
estradiol 3-methyl ether, prednisolone,
17-.beta.-hydroxyprogesterone acetate, 19-nor-progesterone,
norgestrel, norethindrone, norethisterone, norethiederone,
progesterone, norgesterone, norethynodrel, dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA) and the like.
[0188] Nutritional Supplements such as Resveratrol, Dimethlyglycine
(DMG), 5 Hydroxy L-tryptophan (5-HTP), Inositol hexaphosphate
(IP6), S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), Glucosamine sulfate or N.Acetyl
glucosamine, Choline, inositol and melatonin, creatine, pyruvate,
beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), ginseng, etc.
[0189] Natural Hormones (bio-identicals) such as black cohosh
(Cimicifuga racemosa) root and rhizome extract (Remifemin.TM.),
extracts from soy beans or the wild Mexican yam, etc.
[0190] Ayuervedic herb extracts: Adhatoda; A. vasica, Arjun;
Teminalia arjuna, Asafoetida; Ferula asafetida, Ashwaganda;
Withania sominifera, Asparagus; A. racemosa, Bacopa; B. monerii,
Crataeva; C. nurvala, Emblica; E. ribes, Momordica; M. charantia,
Myrrh; Commiphora mukul and C. myrrha, Saraca; S. asoka, Tinospora;
T. cordifolia.
[0191] Physiological metabolites, catabolites or other
physiological active ingredient or precursors of all of the above
or derivatives of all of the above thereof, as well as all other
nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, naturopathic substances,
homeopathic drugs, Ayuervedic extracts, botanical and dietary
supplements having same or different physiological activity as
those cited above, may be used within the scope of this
invention.
[0192] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0193] Nutraceutical is a portmanteau of "nutritional" and
"pharmaceutical" and refers to foods thought to have a beneficial
effect on human health. It can also refer to individual chemicals
which are present in common foods (and therefore may be delivered
in a non-drug form). Many such nutraceuticals are
phytonutrients.
[0194] The nutraceutical implementation of the present invention
allows individuals, while asleep, to have an over-the-counter (OTC)
or prescription nutraceutical automatically administered during a
1-2 hour pre-wake-up period and periodically throughout the day,
for example, before or after meals. FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate
exemplary nutraceutical administration profiles showing a blood
plasma level in nanograms per milliliter on the vertical axis, with
time on the horizontal axis. Active ingredient concentrations will
reach peak levels immediately prior to having to wake and around
meal times. Any customized profile for any active ingredient may,
of course, be preprogrammed into the device.
[0195] Dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM. system.
For example, pulsatile delivery could have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) similar to the profile set forth below within
the following ranges at the following times:
[0196] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0197] 5:30 am-7:30 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0198] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0199] 10:30 am-12:30 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0200] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0201] 3:30 pm-5:30 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0202] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 8.
[0203] As an additional example, pulsatile delivery could have
blood plasma concentrations (BPC) similar to the profile set forth
below within the following ranges at the following times:
[0204] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0205] 5:30 am-7:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0206] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0207] 9:00 am-11:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0208] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0209] 11:00 pm-3:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0210] Peak 4 (Highest)
[0211] 7:00 pm-9:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0212] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 9.
[0213] Still, an additional example, pulsatile delivery could have
blood plasma concentrations (BPC) similar to the profile set forth
below within the following ranges at the following times:
[0214] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0215] 5:30 am-9:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0216] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0217] 11:30 am-3:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0218] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0219] 5:30 pm-8:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0220] Peak 4 (Highest)
[0221] 10:30 pm-12:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0222] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 10.
Application
Longevity
[0223] Life extension refers to an increase in maximum or average
lifespan, especially in humans, by slowing down or reversing the
processes of aging. Extension of an average lifespan can be
achieved through good diet, exercise and avoidance of hazards such
as smoking and excessive eating of sugar-containing foods.
Theoretically, extension of maximum lifespan can be achieved by
reducing the rate of aging damage, by periodic replacement of
damaged tissues, or by molecular repair or (rejuvenation) of
deteriorated cells and tissues. Much of anti-aging medicine has
been concerned with the use of nutritional supplements to extend
lifespan. The idea that antioxidant supplements, such as Vitamin C,
Vitamin E, lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine, might extend human
life stems from the free radical theory of aging. Pulsatile
transdermal Glutathione transdermal systems also a powerful anti
aging compound and is the subject of this invention.
[0224] Diabetes resembles accelerated aging and is associated with
cross-linking of proteins by sugars, more specifically
monosaccharides. Some believe that anti-glycating supplements
(supplements that reduce the protein cross-linking by
monosaccharides), such as carnosine, pyridoxamine, benfotiamin and
lysine, might reduce aging.
[0225] Hormone replacement therapy--which aims at restoring
youthful levels of growth hormone, testosterone, estrogen,
progesterone, melatonin, DHEA and thyroid (all of which decline
with age)--has also been tried as means of reducing the effects of
aging. Other less popular hormones but which might also be useful
are oxytocin, insulin, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG),
erythropoietin (EPO), and others. Resveratrol is a sirtuin
stimulant proposed to extend life in mammals in a similar manner to
that claimed for calorie restriction in simple model organisms such
as nematodes.
[0226] Some supplements have been shown to be of benefit against
some aging-related disease conditions, or have extended average
lifespan. Calorie restriction and supplementation with the minerals
selenium, chromium and zinc have been shown to extend maximum
lifespan in mice.
[0227] Moreover, many of the compounds, chemicals, formulations and
substances identified above under the heading
"Application--Nutraceutricals" are applicable for longevity and
anti-aging uses. Dosing regimens shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 and
described above, are also applicable to therapies utilized for
increased longevity.
Application
Obesity, Weight-Loss and Weight Management
[0228] The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing
worldwide at an alarming rate in both developing and developed
countries. Environmental and behavioral changes brought about by
economic development, modernization, and urbanization have been
linked to the rise in global obesity. Obesity is increasing in
children and adults, and true health consequences may become fully
apparent in the near future.
[0229] About 100 million adults in the United States are overweight
or obese. The medical problems caused by overweight and obesity can
be serious and often life-threatening, and include diabetes,
shortness of breath, gallbladder disease, hypertension, elevated
blood cholesterol levels, cancer, arthritis, other orthopedic
problems, reflux esophagitis (heartburn), snoring, sleep apnea,
menstrual irregularities, infertility and heart trouble. Moreover,
obesity and overweightness substantially increase the risk of
morbidity from hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes,
coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis
and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Higher body
weights are also associated with increases in all-cause mortality.
Most or all of these problems are relieved or improved by permanent
significant weight loss. Longevity is likewise significantly
increased by permanent significant weight loss.
[0230] Weight loss of about 10 percent of body weight is proven to
benefit health by reducing many obesity-related risk factors.
Recommendations for treatment are now focusing on 10 percent weight
loss to help patients with long-term maintenance of weight loss.
Weight loss treatments vary depending, at least in part, on the
degree of weight loss one is attempting to achieve in a subject as
well as on the severity of overweight or obesity exhibited by the
subject. For example, treatments such as low-fat diet and/or
regular exercise are often adequate in cases where a subject is
only mildly overweight. Such treatments can be enhanced by
controlled use of over-the-counter appetite suppressants including
caffeine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine (Acutrim.TM.,
Dexatrim.TM.). Moreover, prescription medications including
amphetamine, diethylpropion (Tenuate.TM.), mazindol (Mazanor.TM.,
Sanorex.TM.), phentermine (Fastin.TM., Ionamin.TM.), phenmetrazine
(Preludin.TM.), phendimetrazine (Bontrol.TM., Plegine.TM.,
Adipost.TM., Dital.TM., Dyrexan.TM., Melfiat.TM., Prelu-2.TM.,
Rexigen Forte.TM.), benzphetamine (Didrex.TM.) and fluoxetine
(Prozac.TM.) are often used in the treatment of seriously
overweight and/or obese subjects or patients.
[0231] The present invention may be used to treat, cure, prevent,
control or alleviate a wide range of conditions and symptoms. In
the present invention, the drug delivery regimen is administered to
treat conditions associated with obesity, excess weight and weight
management. Many of the compounds, chemicals, formulations and
substances identified above under the heading
"Application--Nutraceutricals" are applicable for treating obesity
and for weight-loss and weight management. Dosing regimens shown in
FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 and described above, are also applicable to
therapies utilized for treating obesity and for weight-loss and
weight management.
Application
Fatigue Management
[0232] Human fatigue is now recognized around the world as being
the main cause of accidents in the transport industry. It is
increasingly being recognized as a safety issue of the highest
priority. The issue of fatigue in the workplace in all modes of
transportation and even beyond transportation is something that is
exploding as a priority issue across the industrialized world.
[0233] It is also an occupational health and safety issue, a
commercial issue, a public safety issue and, at times, an
environmental issue. With the 24/7 global economies, many people
are having to continually shift and adjust to different daily
schedules. Shift workers, as well as corporate executives, money
managers and all types of business personnel must modify their
schedules too. Individuals and organizations that fail to manage
human fatigue sensibly, risk having or creating accidents with a
broad range of damaging and enduring consequences.
[0234] In the same regard, modern warfare has become a long-range,
24/7 affair, and the physiological realities of sleep, fatigue, and
circadian rhythms often get in the way of optimal performance. "Go
pills" pills are used as a "fatigue management tool" to help pilots
stay alert through long missions.
[0235] In the early eighties, the Department of Defense developed
go pills for the Air Force. Go pills are essentially amphetamine in
the form of a pill. The Air Force wanted a drug to keep their
bomber pilots alert and awake when they were on long missions.
These missions can take over 24 hours and requires several delicate
mid-air refueling operations. Despite their grandeur, air force
pilots are fallible and they were falling asleep on these missions.
Hence the development of go pills.
[0236] When fatigue closes in and all other tools in the fatigue
management program have been exhausted, many pilots reach for the
"go pill" to help them get home safely. Formally known as the
amphetamine Dexedrine.RTM., "go pills" are prescribed to pilots in
very low doses to take the edge off fatigue. "Go pills" are only
authorized for single-seat aircraft missions of more than eight
hours, and dual-place aircraft missions of more than 12 hours. The
10-milligram "go pill" has the stimulating effect of three or four
cups of coffee.
[0237] Once the mission has been completed, counteracting "no-go
pills" prescription sedatives are used to help the pilots sleep
after an extended mission and go-pill use.
[0238] No go pills are for after flying to induce sleep and
re-adjust the sleeping schedule. It is recommended that pilots not
fly for 12 to 16 hours after taking them. However, often less than
12 hours later, they are usually sent on their next mission
[0239] In another scenario, a mission may be amended or aborted.
Here, a backup mission crew may be instructed to take the "go
pills" in preparation of a nighttime sortie. However at some point
the mission plans get changed. In this scenario, the pilot has
already taken the stimulant.
[0240] In this case, the pilot having already taken the stimulant,
must wait 10-12 hours for the "Go pill" to clear his system or take
a "no-go pill" to sleep. Additionally, the quality of sleep with
these medications in the blood stream may not be the most restful
and the pilot may not be in an optimum alert state upon awakening.
In both cases, the pilot's circadian rhythm has been disrupted
leaving him less ready for the next mission.
[0241] The current invention can be useful to Army, Navy, Air force
and Marine as well as all service personnel that must work extended
hours with the possibility of command changes. Shift workers,
traveling executives and other business personnel can also benefit
from the flexibility that this drug delivery device offers.
[0242] The current invention offers an alternative and automatic
dosing regimen for stimulants as well as reducing the need for a
follow-up depressant to induce sleep. The stimulant may be
dosed--increasingly incremental, decreasingly incremental or a
mixture of the two so as to purposefully modulate the active
substance in the body and allow for schedule adjustments.
Example
Dextroamphetamine
[0243] In this example, dextroamphetamine is dosed in ever
increasing amounts until the therapeutic dose equivalent is
attained. By dosing in this fashion, the doses are incremental and
additive. If the need arises to stop the dosing, due to a change in
scheduling, the ChronoDose.TM. may be removed. By using this
regimen, less dextroamphetamine will be in the user's system and
allow for faster drug clearance.
[0244] The blood plasma concentration time/dose chart for
dextroamphetamine should appear as shown in FIG. 15.
Example
Ephedrine
[0245] Ephedrine (EPH) is a sympathomimetic amine similar in
structure to the synthetic derivatives amphetamine and
methamphetamine. Ephedrine is commonly used as a stimulant,
appetite suppressant, concentraton aid, decongestant and to treat
hypotension associated with regional anaesthesia. Chemically, it is
an alkaloid derived from various plants in the genus Ephedra
(family Ephedraceae).
[0246] The blood plasma concentration time/dose chart for ephedrine
should appear as shown in FIG. 16.
Example
Adrafinil (Olmifon), Modafinil (Provigil)
[0247] Modafinil has reportedly been investigated by the United
States military for use by its soldiers. One study on helicopter
pilots suggested that 600 mg of modafinil given in three doses can
be used to keep pilots alert with only 8 hours of sleep in an 88
hour period. Another study on fighter pilots showed that 300 mg
modafinil given in three divided 100-mg doses sustained the flight
control accuracy of sleep-deprived F-117 pilots to within about 27
percent of baseline levels.
[0248] Adrafinil, an earlier compound relative to modafinil, has a
half-life of about 60 minutes and a time to peak concentration of
about 60 minutes. By taking advantage of the rapid
pharmacokinetics, repetitive doses could be given and the user
could stop the doses when necessary.
[0249] The time/dose chart for adrafinil should appear as shown in
FIG. 17.
Example
Ampakine CX717
[0250] CX717 is an ampakine compound created by Dr. Gary Lynch at
UCI in 1993 and further developed by Cortex Pharmaceuticals, an
Irvine Calif. company created to explore possible applications. It
affects the neurotransmitter glutamate, improving cognitive
functioning and memory.
[0251] In 2005 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted
Cortex Pharmaceuticals' IND (Investigational New Drug) application
to initiate pilot Phase II clinical trials in the United States.
Also, in 2005, the United States Department of Defense funded a
study to look into CX717 and the physiological effects of
sleepiness.
[0252] The study found that rhesus monkeys performed faster and
better after receiving the drug, and it counteracted the effects of
sleep deprivation. However, a 2006 study funded by DARPA found that
CX717 did not improve cognitive performance in humans subjected to
simulated night shift work.
[0253] The chemical structure of CX717 has not yet been revealed by
Cortex Pharmaceuticals, but is presumably similar to earlier
compounds in the series as shown below. It is very unusual for
research on a compound to be released in scientific journals
without disclosing exactly what the compound consists of, but this
information is likely to have been kept confidential for reasons of
intellectual property, and also because the research on CX717 was
partially funded by DARPA, the United States Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency.
[0254] The time/dose chart for ampakine should appear as shown in
FIG. 18.
Application
Glucose Control
[0255] Diabetes Mellitus is the most common of the serious
metabolic diseases affecting humans. It has been estimated that
there are over 200 million people that have diabetes in the
world.
[0256] Metabolically, diabetes is characterized by an inappropriate
elevation of blood glucose levels. In Type I Diabetes Mellitus,
this is due to an absence of insulin in the individual. In Type II
Diabetes Mellitus, although there is circulating insulin, its
signal is not efficiently transduced via the insulin receptor,
giving rise to insulin resistance, where the body responds less and
less well to a given amount of insulin. Insulin is a peptide
hormone, which is produced by the Langerhorn islets in the
pancreas. Insulin triggers increased glucose utilization, protein
synthesis, and the formation and storage of neutral lipids. The
present invention focuses on Type II Diabetes Mellitus, or
non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
[0257] Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus of type II (NIDDM)
is known to be a frequent metabolic disease and the main cause of
hyperglycemia. In recent years, diabetes mellitus of type II has
been proved to be a heterogeneous disease, with complex,
unclarified metabolic aspects, which disease is characterized by
three main metabolic abnormalities contributing to hyperglycemia:
the partial or complete decrease in insulin secretion, the
resistance of the peripheral tissues to insulin and the increased
hepatic production of glucose in fasting conditions.
[0258] Diabetes Mellitus is also characterized by long-term
complications involving the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood
vessels. These diabetic complications include premature
atherosclerosis, intercapillary glomerulosclerosis, retinopathy and
neuropathy. The major cause of morbidity and mortality among
diabetics is coronary heart disease.
[0259] The primary goal in the treatment of diabetes is to maintain
blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. For Type II
diabetics, the first line of therapy for maintaining blood glucose
level is modification of diet and lifestyle. The diabetic diet
features restrictions on fat content and an increased intake of
dietary fiber.
[0260] Regular exercise is also emphasized to decrease weight and
reduce the degree of insulin resistance. If diet and lifestyle
modifications fail to control glucose levels, oral hypoglycemic
therapy or insulin therapy is required to control glucose levels
and thus minimize complications related to the disease.
[0261] The term antihyperglycemic drugs as used in this
specification refers to drugs that are useful in controlling or
managing noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
[0262] At present, the two main families of hypoglycemic agents
available are sulfonylureas and biguanides. The use of
sulfonylureas and biguanides in monotherapy, in most cases, allows
to obtain an effective glycometabolic control for some years, if an
appropriate diet and behavioural regimen are kept.
[0263] Medications for noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
(NIDDM) that may be used in the present invention include: [0264]
Biguanides such as Buformin, Metformin and Phenformin [0265]
Sulfonylureas: Chlorpropamide, Glibenclamide (Glyburide.RTM.),
Gliclazide, Glimepiride, Glipizide, Gliquidone, Tolazamide,
Tolbutamide, Acetohexamide, 1-Butyl-3-metanilylurea, Carbutamide,
Glibornuride, Glisoxepid, Glybuthiazol, Glybuzole, Glyhexamide,
Glymidine, Glypinamide, Phenbutamide, and Tolcyclamide; [0266]
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor: Acarbose [0267] Thiazolidinediones
(TZD): Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone (Avandia.RTM.), Troglitazone
[0268] Meglitinides: Nateglinide, Repaglinide [0269] Dipeptidyl
peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors: Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin and
Galvus.RTM. (vildagliptin, formerly LAF237) [0270] Other glycemia
regulators such as Glibomuride, Repaglinide, Miglitol, Calcium
Mesoxalate and Diazoxide
Example
Glibenclamide (Glyburide.RTM.)
[0271] Glibenclamide is a potent oral sulphonylurea hypoglycemic
agent. It lowers blood glucose concentration in diabetic and
non-diabetic patients by stimulating the release of insulin from
the pancreas, which requires functioning beta cells. It acts in
concert with glucose (improved sensitivity of beta cells to
physiological glucose stimulus) and leads to an insulin secretion
in the rhythm of meals. Other mechanisms of the hypoglycemic action
associated with short-term therapy appear to include reduction of
basal hepatic glucose production and enhancement of peripheral
insulin action at post-receptor sites.
[0272] According to Mutalik, S, and N. Udupa, N. (2004),
glibenclamide transdermal patches successfully prevented severe
hypoglycemia in the initial hours, which is the major side effect
associated with oral route. The patches maintained similar effect
during long-term treatment also. The transdermal systems produced
better improvement with all the tested biochemical parameters
compared to oral administration. They produced improved repair of
the tissues after diabetes induced tissue injury and exhibited
negligible skin irritation.
[0273] By automatically administering three times a day and
transdermally, where first pass metabolism is reduced,
glibenclamide can be a useful medication for the treatment of
hyperglycemia. Dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0274] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0275] 7:30 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 90 to 110 ng/ml.
[0276] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0277] 1:00 pm-3:30 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 90 to 110 ng/ml.
[0278] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0279] 6:30 pm-9:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 90 to 110 ng/ml.
[0280] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 11.
Example
Glipizide (Glucotrol.RTM.)
[0281] Glipizide is an oral medium-to-long acting anti-diabetic
drug from the sulfonylurea class. The mechanism of action is
produced by blocking potassium K+ channels in the beta cells of the
Islets of Langerhans. By partially blocking the K+ channels, there
is an increase in the time the cell spends in the calcium release
stage of cell signaling leading to an increase in calcium. The
increase in calcium will initiate more insulin release from each
beta cell.
[0282] According to Mutalik, S, and N. Udupa, N. (2006), glipizide
transdermal systems produced better improvement with respect to
hypoglycemic activity, glucose tolerance and tested biochemical,
histopathological and pharmacokinetic parameters all compared with
oral administration and exhibited negligible skin irritation. The
transdermal systems successfully prevented severe hypoglycemia in
the initial hours and it was also effective for chronic
application.
[0283] By automatically administering three times a day and
transdermally, where first pass metabolism is reduced, glipizide
can be a useful medication for the treatment of hyperglycemia.
Dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM. system. For
example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma concentrations
(BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges at the
following times:
[0284] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0285] 7:30 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 350 to 450 ng/ml.
[0286] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0287] 1:00 pm-3:30 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 350 to 450 ng/ml.
[0288] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0289] 6:30 pm-9:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 350 to 450 ng/ml.
[0290] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 12.
Example
Rosiglitazone (Avandia.RTM.)
[0291] Rosiglitazone is an oral antidiabetic agent which acts
primarily by increasing insulin sensitivity. It is used in the
management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (also known as
non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset
diabetes). Rosiglitazone improves glycemic control while reducing
circulating insulin levels. Pharmacological studies in animal
models indicate that rosiglitazone improves sensitivity to insulin
in muscle and adipose tissue and inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis.
Rosiglitazone is not chemically or functionally related to the
sulfonylureas, the biguanides, or the alpha-glucosidase
inhibitors.
[0292] By automatically administering three times a day and
transdermally, where first pass metabolism is reduced,
rosiglitazone can be a useful medication for the treatment of
hyperglycemia. Dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0293] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0294] 7:30 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range from 500 to 700 ng/ml.
[0295] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0296] 1:00 pm-3:30 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range from 500 to 700 ng/ml.
[0297] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0298] 6:30 pm-9:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range from 500 to 700 ng/ml.
[0299] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 13.
Example
Metformin
[0300] Metformin is an oral medication that lowers blood glucose
(sugar) and is used for treating type 2 diabetes. Metformin acts by
increasing the sensitivity of liver, muscle, fat, and other tissues
to the uptake and effects of insulin. These actions lower the level
of sugar in the blood. Unlike glucose-lowering drugs of the
sulfonylurea class, e.g. glyburide (Micronase; Diabeta) or
glipizide (Glucotrol), metformin does not increase the
concentration of insulin in the blood and, therefore, does not
cause excessively low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) when used
alone. In scientific studies, metformin reduced the complications
of diabetes such as heart disease, blindness and kidney
disease.
[0301] By automatically administering three times a day and
transdermally, where first pass metabolism is reduced, metformin
can be a useful medication for the treatment of hyperglycemia.
Dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM. system. For
example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma concentrations
(BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges at the
following times:
[0302] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0303] 7:30 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 1000 to 1600 ng/ml.
[0304] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0305] 1:00 pm-3:30 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 1000 to 1600 ng/ml.
[0306] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0307] 6:30 pm-9:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 1000 to 1600 ng/ml.
[0308] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 14.
Application
Alzheimer's Disease
[0309] In the present invention, the drug delivery regimen is
administered to treat the condition of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive disorder in
which brain cells (neurons) deteriorate, resulting in the loss of
cognitive functions, primarily memory, judgment and reasoning,
movement coordination, and pattern recognition. In advanced stages
of the disease, all memory and mental functioning may be lost.
[0310] The condition predominantly affects the cerebral cortex and
hippocampus, which lose mass and shrink (atrophy) as the disease
advances.
[0311] The two most significant physical findings in the cells of
brains affected by Alzheimer's disease are neuritic plaques and
neurofibrillary tangles. Another significant factor in AD is the
greatly reduced presence of acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex.
Acetylcholine is necessary for cognitive function.
[0312] While some neuritic plaques, or patches, are commonly found
in brains of elderly people, they appear in excessive numbers in
the cerebral cortex of Alzheimer's disease patients. A protein
called beta amyloid occupies the center of these plaques.
Surrounding the protein are fragments of deteriorating neurons,
especially those that produce acetylcholine (ACh), a
neurotransmitter essential for processing memory and learning.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transport information or
signals between neurons.
[0313] Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are twisted remnants of a
protein called tau, which is found inside brain cells and is
essential for maintaining proper cell structure and function. An
abnormality in the tau protein disrupts normal cell activity.
[0314] As people grow old, their need for medications increases
dramatically because of the higher incidence of chronic pain,
diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and neurological diseases in the
elderly population. Furthermore, the elderly require special
consideration with respect to drug delivery, drug interactions and
adherence. In particular, patients with chronic neurological
diseases often require multiple administration of drugs during the
day to maintain constant plasma medication levels, which in turn
increases the likelihood of poor adherence.
[0315] Upon waking, Alzheimer's disease patients can take pills or
put on a patch. However, there is a 3-4 hour lag period before
current medications reach peak blood concentrations when a pill or
tablet is taken. Transdermal systems deliver drugs through the
skin, while pills go to the stomach. Bypassing the stomach,
medicine delivered via patches may help avoid gastrointestinal side
effects such as nausea and vomiting. Patches may also be simpler to
use than pills. Patients don't have to remember when to take their
pills, which may be particularly helpful with Alzheimer's disease,
since Alzheimer's affects the brain and memory. Patients wearing
patches also don't have to swallow pills, a task that's difficult
for some patients.
[0316] Originally created to help treat glaucoma, cholinesterase
inhibitors (AChEls) eventually became the earliest medications in
the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Cholinesterase inhibitors work by increasing the concentration of a
chemical messenger in the brain known as acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is important in memory, thinking and other cognitive
skills. Cholinesterase inhibitors are designed to keep amounts of
this chemical high, even though the cells that transmit them
continue to degenerate.
[0317] There is no cure for AD and no way to slow the progression
of the disease. For some people in the early or middle stages of
AD, medication such as tacrine (Cognex.RTM.) may alleviate some
cognitive symptoms. Donepezil (Aricept.RTM.), rivastigmine
(Exelon.RTM.), and galantamine (Reminyl.RTM.) may keep some
symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time. A fifth drug,
memantine (Namenda.RTM.), was recently approved for use in the
United States.
[0318] Combining memantine with other AD drugs may be more
effective than any single therapy. One controlled clinical trial
found that patients receiving donepezil plus memantine had better
cognition and other functions than patients receiving donepezil
alone. Also, other medications may help control behavioral symptoms
such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and
depression.
[0319] The acetylcholinesterase inhibitors donepezil, rivastigmine
and galantamine improve cognitive performance in manifest dementia.
However, these substances also influence the quality of sleep, and
particularly the quality and amount of dreams.
Example
Tacrine (Cognex.RTM.)
[0320] Tacrine is the prototypical cholinesterase inhibitor for the
treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Studies have found that it may
have a small beneficial effect on cognition and other clinical
measures, though adequate study data is limited and the clinical
relevance of these findings is unclear.
[0321] The use of tacrine is limited by poor oral bioavailability,
the necessity for four-times daily dosing, and considerable adverse
drug reactions (including nausea, diarrhea, urinary incontinence
and hepatotoxicity) such that few patients could tolerate
therapeutic doses.
[0322] By automatically administering three times a day and
transdermally, where first pass metabolism is reduced, tacrine can
be a useful medication for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM. system. For
example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma concentrations
(BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges at the
following times:
[0323] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0324] 7:30 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 2.5 to 10 ng/ml.
[0325] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0326] 1:00 pm-3:30 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 2.5 to 10 ng/ml.
[0327] Peak 3 (Medium)
[0328] 6:30 pm-9:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 1.5 to 7.0 ng/ml.
[0329] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 19.
Example
Donepezil (Aricept.RTM.)
[0330] A recent study (Brunner et. al, 2005) investigated the
influence of the time point of donepezil intake on the occurrence
of nightmares. A clear-cut relationship between the occurrence of
nightmares and an evening dose of donepezil in eight patients with
AD was observed. None of the patients reported nightmares when
donepezil was taken in the morning. This suggests that the
activation of the visual association cortex during REM sleep is
enhanced by donepezil, a mechanism most likely facilitating the
development of nightmares in patients with AD.
[0331] Therefore, morning dosing as well as customized dose amounts
could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM. system. For example,
pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as
set forth below within the following ranges at the following
times:
[0332] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0333] 7:00 am-9:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 15 to 30 ng/ml.
[0334] Peak 2 (Optional)
[0335] 5:00 pm-7:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium to low
therapeutic range of from 5 to 10 ng/ml.
[0336] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 20.
Example
Rivastigmine (Exelon.RTM.)
[0337] Exelon.TM. (rivastigmine tartrate) is a reversible
cholinesterase inhibitor and is known chemically as
(S)--N-Ethyl-N-methyl-3-[1-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-phenyl carbamate
hydrogen-(2R,3R)-tartrate. Rivastigmine tartrate is commonly
referred to in the pharmacological literature as SDZ ENA 713 or ENA
713.
[0338] Pathological changes in Dementia of the Alzheimer type and
Dementia associated with Parkinson's disease involve cholinergic
neuronal pathways that project from the basal forebrain to the
cerebral cortex and hippocampus. These pathways are thought to be
intricately involved in memory, attention, learning, and other
cognitive processes. While the precise mechanism of rivastigmine's
action is unknown, it is postulated to exert its therapeutic effect
by enhancing cholinergic function. This is accomplished by
increasing the concentration of acetylcholine through reversible
inhibition of its hydrolysis by cholinesterase.
[0339] The dosage of Exelon.TM. (rivastigmine tartrate) has been
shown to be effective when given as twice-a-day dosing. Therefore,
morning, as well as afternoon dosing and customized dose amounts
could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM. system. For example,
pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as
set forth below within the following ranges at the following
times:
[0340] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0341] 7:00 am-9:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 3.5 to 6 ng/ml.
[0342] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0343] 5:00 pm-7:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 2 to 4 ng/ml.
[0344] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 21.
Example
Galantamine (Razadyne.RTM.)
[0345] Galantamine, an alkaloid extracted from daffodil bulbs, is
the fourth cholinesterase inhibitor approved for Alzheimer's
disease (AD). Galantamine is a competitive and reversible
cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by enhancing cholinergic
function by increasing the concentration of acetylcholinesterase in
the brain. Galantamine is a nicotinic modulator and works by
slowing down or inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, which is the
enzyme responsible for degrading the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine
[0346] Galantamine is usually taken twice a day, with the morning
and evening meals. Therefore, morning, as well as afternoon dosing
and customized dose amounts could be optimized using the
ChronoDose.TM. system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have
blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the
following ranges at the following times:
[0347] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0348] 7:00 am-9:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 10 to 60 ng/ml.
[0349] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0350] 5:00 pm-7:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 5 to 30 ng/ml.
[0351] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 22.
Example
Memantine (Namenda.RTM.)
[0352] Memantine is usually taken twice a day, with the morning and
evening meals. Therefore, morning, as well as afternoon dosing and
customized dose amounts could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0353] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0354] 7:00 am-9:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 25 to 100 ng/ml.
[0355] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0356] 5:00 pm-7:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 10 to 50 ng/ml.
[0357] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 23.
Application
Sleep Disorders
[0358] A contemplated consumer product is the ArisePatch.TM.. Most
people experience difficulty and discomfort when waking early in
the morning. According to a 2002 National Sleep Foundation poll 49%
of US adults age 18-29 have trouble waking in the morning and 41%
of US adults age 30-64 have trouble waking in the morning. There
are 165,000,000 adults in the US alone age 18-64; meaning
approximately 74,250,000 US adults age 18-64 have trouble waking in
the morning.
[0359] Adrenergic stimulants such as fenoterol, isoprenaline,
orciprenaline, rimeterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline,
dobutamine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine may
find particular utility in treating sleep disorders. Other
stimulants which may find utility with the devices and methods of
the present invention may include Cocaine, Dextroamphetamine
(Dexedrine), Methamphetamine (Desoxyn), Methylphenidate (Ritalin),
Phenmetrazine (Preludin), Biphetamine, Benzphetamine, Didrex,
Chlorphentermine, Clortermine, Phendimetrazine tartrate (Plegine,
Prelu 2), Norpseudoephedrine, Diethylpropion hydrochloride
(Tenuate), Fencamfamin, Fenproporex, Phentermine (Fastin, lonamin,
Adipex), Mazindol (Sanorex, Mazanor), Mefenorex, Modafinil
(Provigil), Pemoline (Cylert (No longer available in U.S.)),
Pipradrol, Sibutramine (Meridia), Pyrovalerone, Diethylpropion,
Fenproporex, Phentermine, Mazindol, Modafinil, Pemoline and
Sibutramine.
[0360] The ArisePatch implementation of the present invention
allows individuals, while asleep, to have an over-the-counter (OTC)
or prescription stimulant automatically administered during a 1-2
hour pre-wake-up period. FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary stimulant
administration profile showing a blood plasma level of ephedrine in
nanograms per milliliter on the vertical axis, with time on the
horizontal axis. Stimulant concentrations will reach peak levels
immediately prior to having to wake. Immediately upon waking up the
individual will be alert and feel well rested. The ArisePatch.TM.
will eliminate the typical discomfort or difficulty associated with
getting up early. This functionality is attractive to employed
people getting up for work to ensure punctuality, and just about
anyone who wants to offset morning discomfort associated with a
late night, jet lag, or sickness.
Application
Parkinson's Disease
[0361] The present invention may be used to treat, cure, prevent,
control or alleviate a wide range of conditions and symptoms. In
the present invention, the drug delivery regimen is administered to
treat the condition of Parkinson's disease (PD).
[0362] Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions
called motor system disorders. Parkinson's disease occurs when a
group of cells in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra
begin to malfunction and die. These cells in the substantia nigra
produce a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter,
or chemical messenger, that sends information to the parts of the
brain that control movement and coordination. The four primary
symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw,
and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk;
bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or
impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more
pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or
completing other simple tasks.
[0363] Medications for Parkinson's disease that may be used in the
present invention include: [0364] Dopamine precursors such as
(Dopar.RTM.) and (Larodopa.RTM.). [0365] Carbidopa such as
(Lodosyn.RTM.). [0366] Dopa decarboxylase inhibitors such as
Carbidopa and Benserazide [0367] Mixtures [0368] Levodopalcarbidopa
mixtures such as (Sinemet.RTM.) [0369]
Levodopalcarbidopa/entacapone mixtures such as (Stalevo.RTM.)
[0370] Levodopa/benserazide mixtures such as (Madopar.RTM.) and
(Prolopa.RTM.). [0371] Dopamine agonists include bromocriptine
(Parlodel.RTM.), pergolide (Permax.RTM.), pramipexole
(Mirapex.RTM.), rotigotine (Neupro.RTM.), dihydroergocryptine,
ropinirole (Requip.RTM.), cabergoline (Cabaser.RTM.), apomorphine
(Apokyn), lisuride (Revanil.RTM.) and piribedil. [0372]
Anticholinergics such as biperiden (Akineton.RTM.), diphenhydramine
(Benadryl.RTM.), trihexyphenidyl (Artane.RTM.), benztropine
mesylate (Cogentin.RTM.), procyclidine (Kemadrin.RTM.). [0373]
MAO-B inhibitors such as selegiline or deprenyl (Eldepryl.RTM.,
Emsam.RTM. TTS), (Carbex.RTM.) and rasagiline (Azilect.RTM.).
[0374] COMT inhibitors such as entacapone (Comtan.RTM.) and
tolcapone (Tasmar.RTM.). [0375] Dopaminergic Agonists such as
Amantadine (Symmetrel.RTM.). [0376] Ampakines such as: CX-516
(Ampalex), CX546, CX614 and CX717. [0377] Newer medications such as
Istradefylline (KW-6002),
S-(-)-2-(N-propyl-N-2-thienylethylamino)-5-hydroxytetralin (N-0923)
and Sarizotan. [0378] Other anti-Parkinson's medications such as of
bornaprine, budipine, ethopropazine, lazabemide, memantine,
modafinil, talampanel, altinicline, brasofensine, safinamide,
droxidopa, piribedil, quinagolide, terguride, riluzole, talipexole,
piroheptine, bifeprunox, spheramine, sumanirole, lisuride hydrogen
maleateor, and orphenadrine. [0379] Over-the-Counter Medications
such as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10), Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and
glutathione.
[0380] Dopar.RTM. is a registered trademark of Proctor and
Gamble
[0381] Larodopa.RTM. is a registered trademark of Roche (Can.)
[0382] Lodosyn.RTM. is a registered trademark of MERCK & CO.,
INC
[0383] Sinemet.RTM. is a registered trademark of Merck & Co.,
Inc. and is marketed by Du Pont Pharmaceuticals.
[0384] Stalevo.RTM. is a registered trademark of Novartis
Pharmaceuticals Corp.
[0385] Madopar.RTM. is a registered trademark of Hoffmann-La Roche
Ltd.
[0386] Prolopa.RTM. is a registered trademark of Hoffmann-La Roche
Ltd
[0387] Permax.RTM. is a registered trademark of Amarin
Corporation
[0388] Parlodel is a registered trademark of Novartis Inc.
[0389] Mirapex.RTM. is a registered trademark of Pharmacia
Corporation.
[0390] Requip.RTM. is a registered trademark of
GlaxoSmithKline.
[0391] Cabaser.RTM. is a registered trademark of Pharmacia
Australia Pty Limited
[0392] Apokyn.RTM. is a registered trademark of Vernalis
Pharmaceuticals Inc.
[0393] Revanil.RTM. is a registered trademark of
[0394] Akineton.RTM. is a registered trademark of Knoll AG
[0395] Benadryl.RTM. is a registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc.
[0396] Artane.RTM. is a registered trademark of American Cyanamid
Company, Lederle Laboratories Division.
[0397] Cogentin.RTM. is a registered trademark of Merck & Co.,
Inc.
[0398] Kemadrin.RTM. is a trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of
companies.
[0399] Eldepryl.RTM. is a registered trademark of Somerset
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
[0400] Emsam.RTM. TTS is a registered trademark of Somerset
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
[0401] Carbex.RTM. is a registered trademark of Du Pont
Pharmaceuticals.
[0402] Azilect.RTM. is a registered trademark of Teva
Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
[0403] Comtan.RTM. is a registered trademark of Novartis AG
[0404] Tasmar.RTM. is a registered trademark of Hoffmann-La Roche
Ltd.
[0405] Symmetrel.RTM. is a registered trademark of Endo
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
[0406] Neupro.RTM. is a registered trademark of Schwarz Pharma
AG
[0407] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0408] As people grow old, their need for medications increases
dramatically because of the higher incidence of chronic pain,
diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and neurological diseases in the
elderly population. Furthermore, the elderly require special
consideration with respect to drug delivery, drug interactions and
adherence. In particular, patients with chronic neurological
diseases often require multiple administration of drugs during the
day to maintain constant plasma medication levels, which in turn
increases the likelihood of poor adherence. Consequently, several
attempts have been made to develop pharmacological preparations
that can achieve a constant rate of drug delivery. For example,
transdermal lisuride and apomorphine have been shown to reduce
motor fluctuations and duration of `off` periods in advanced
Parkinson's disease, while rotigotine allows significant
down-titration of levodopa without severe adverse effects. Thus,
parkinsonian patients with long-term levodopa syndrome or motor
disorders during sleep could benefit from use of transdermal
lisuride and apomorphine. Moreover, transdermal dopaminergic drugs,
particularly rotigotine, seem the ideal treatment for patients
experiencing restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement
disorder during sleep, disorders that are quite common in elderly
people or in association with neurodegenerative diseases.
[0409] Parkinson's disease symptoms usually peak immediately upon
waking. Most Parkinson's sufferers can barely move upon waking and
are immobile due to the fact most medications for Parkinson's
disease stop acting before awaking.
[0410] In addition, some Parkinson's medications have stimulant
effects and can not be administered during the sleep cycle. Upon
waking, Parkinson's disease patients can take pills or put on a
patch. However, there is a 4-hour lag period before current
medications reach peak blood concentrations.
[0411] Clinical studies have shown that up to 82% of patients
suffering with Parkinson's disease have difficulty swallowing and
tend to dribble. Conventional selegiline tablets, syrups, and the
like, still require the patient to attempt swallowing. Moreover,
conventional tablets need to be administered with water, requiring
another difficult swallowing act for such patients.
[0412] From a clinical perspective, it would be highly desirable to
administer Parkinson's medication while enhancing the
bioavailability of the active ingredient and avoiding first pass
effect and its undesirable metabolites, hence affording a
comparatively rapid onset and prolonged duration of effect as
compared to conventional administration forms. Even more desirable
would be the ability to administer Parkinson's medication in a
dosage form that does not present difficulty in ingestion in those
patients that have difficulty swallowing, can be handled easily,
and affords assurance and greater predictability of its
administration and effect.
[0413] Biosynchronous transdermal drug delivery administered by the
ChronoDose.TM. system will automatically turn off drug delivery at
night for sound sleep, and automatically turn on and release higher
doses of medication prior to waking up.
Example
Selegiline (Eldepryl.RTM., Emsam.RTM. TTS)
[0414] Sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease patients reveal
alterations of circadian rhythms. Autonomic dysfunction, described
in Parkinson's disease, reveals numerous alterations in circadian
regulations including loss of circadian rhythm of blood pressure,
increased diurnal blood pressure variability, and postprandial
hypotension. Many biologic indices such as cortisol,
catecholamines, and melatonin are also altered. Circadian rhythms
in dopaminergic systems as well as possible daily fluctuations in
kinetics of drug treatments are likely involved in such
variations.
[0415] Parkinson's disease is believed to be caused by a lack of
dopamine in the brain. Selegiline is used as an adjunctive therapy
with levodopa/carbidopa mixtures when there is a deterioration in
the quality of response to levodopa/carbidopa therapy. Selegiline
prevents the enzyme monoamine oxidase type B (MAO B) from breaking
down dopamine in the brain. This allows dopamine to remain active
in the brain for a longer period of time.
[0416] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0417] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0418] 7:30 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 1.2 to 1.6 ng/ml.
[0419] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0420] 1:00 pm-3:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 1.2 to 1.6 ng/ml.
[0421] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 24.
Example
Ropinerole (Requip.RTM.)
[0422] Ropinerole stimulates dopamine production. However, one of
the major side effects is sleepiness. Patients report falling
asleep without any warning signs during activities of daily living,
including operation of a motor vehicle, which sometimes resulted in
accidents. Hallucinations and dizziness upon standing may also
occur.
[0423] By taking advantage of the somnolence side effect of
ropinerole, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0424] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0425] 11:00 pm-5:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range from 7.5 to 10.0 ng/ml.
[0426] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0427] 6:00 am-1:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 5.0 to 9.0 ng/ml.
[0428] Peak 3 (Lowest)
[0429] 2:00 pm-8:00 pm: BPC should be in the lowest therapeutic
range of from 4.0 to 5.5 ng/ml.
[0430] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 25.
Example
Apomorphine (Apokyn.RTM.)
[0431] Apomorphine as a dopamine agonist appears to relieve the
symptoms of parkinsonism for patients who experience severe motor
fluctuations after chronic levodopa therapy. It has been approved
for the acute, intermittent treatment of hypomobility, "off"
episodes ("end-of-dose wearing off" and unpredictable "on/off"
episodes) associated with advanced Parkinson's disease (Prod Info
Apokyn(.TM.), 2004). In the past, apomorphine was not widely used
because of tolerance issues (apomorphine has strong emetic and
hypotensive effects), its short duration of action and the need for
parenteral administration. However its rapid onset of action can be
advantageous during "off" episodes and apomorphine may have a role
in the treatment of patients not adequately treated with levodopa
or other anti-parkinsonian medications (LeWitt, 2004). Apomorphine
transdermal emulsion has been tested by Priano et al (2003).
[0432] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0433] 1200 am-2:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 24 to 34 ng/ml.
[0434] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0435] 5:00 am-7:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 24 to 34 ng/ml.
[0436] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 26.
Example
Pramipexole (Mirapex.RTM.)
[0437] Even though Mirapex.RTM. stimulates dopamine production, one
of the major side effects is sleepiness, which is why it is also
used off-label for a variety of sleep disorders. Patients have
reported falling asleep without any warning signs during activities
of daily living, including operation of a motor vehicle, which
sometimes resulted in accidents. Hallucinations and dizziness upon
standing may also occur.
[0438] By taking advantage of the somnolence side effect of
pramipexole, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system, with a higher dose given at night. For example, pulsatile
delivery should have blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as set forth
below within the following ranges at the following times:
[0439] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0440] 11:00 pm-5:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 1.2 to 2.1 ng/ml.
[0441] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0442] 6:00 am-1:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 1.0 to 1.6 ng/ml.
[0443] Peak 3 (Lowest)
[0444] 2:00 pm-8:00 pm: BPC should be in the lowest therapeutic
range of from 0.8 to 1.3 ng/ml.
[0445] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 27.
Example
Biperiden (Akineton.RTM.)
[0446] Biperiden is a weak peripheral anticholinergic agent.
Parkinsonism is thought to result from an imbalance between the
excitatory (cholinergic) and inhibitory (dopaminergic) systems in
the corpus striatum. The mechanism of action of centrally active
anticholinergic drugs such as biperiden is considered to relate to
competitive antagonism of acetylcholine at cholinergic receptors in
the corpus striatum, which then restores the balance. Biperiden is
used as an adjunct in the therapy of all forms of parkinsonism
(idiopathic, postencephalitic, arteriosclerotic), as well as for
control of extrapyramidal disorders secondary to neuroleptic drug
therapy (e.g., phenothiazines)
[0447] Biperiden (Akineton.RTM.) is usually prescribed to be taken
three or four times a day. Thus, dosing could be optimized using
the ChronoDose.TM. system. For example, pulsatile delivery should
have blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within
the following ranges at the following times:
[0448] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0449] 6:30 am-8:30 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 2.5 to 5.1 ng/ml.
[0450] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0451] 1:30 pm-4:30 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 2.5 to 5.1 ng/ml.
[0452] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0453] 9:30 pm-12:30 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 2.5 to 5.1 ng/ml.
[0454] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 28.
Example
Bromocriptine (Parlodel.RTM.)
[0455] Bromocriptine mesylate mimics the action of dopamine by
fitting into the dopamine pockets on the surface of the nerve cell
that is receiving the dopamine message. One advantage of this
substitution approach is that dyskinesias are less likely to occur.
This is because the amount of dopamine is not actually being
increased, as with Levodopa/carbidopa mixtures. Instead,
bromocriptine acts as a substitute for dopamine. This makes it less
likely for dyskinesias to occur since they are caused by too much
dopamine in the brain.
[0456] Bromocriptine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy,
or less alert than they are normally. By taking advantage of the
somnolence side effect of bromocriptine, dosing could be optimized
using the ChronoDose.TM. system, with a higher dose given at night.
For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0457] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0458] 11:00 pm-5:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 0.70 to 1.0 ng/ml.
[0459] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0460] 6:00 am-1:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 0.85 to 0.45 ng/ml.
[0461] Peak 3 (Medium)
[0462] 2:00 pm-8:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 0.85 to 0.45 ng/ml.
[0463] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 29.
Example
Levodopa (Larodopa.RTM.)
[0464] Within four to six years of treatment with levodopa, the
effects of the drug in many patients begin to last for shorter
periods of time (called the wearing off effect) and the following
pattern may occur: [0465] Patients may first notice slowness
(bradykinesia) or tremor in the morning before the next dose is
due. [0466] Less commonly, some experience painful dystonia, muscle
spasms that can cause sustained contortions of various parts of the
body, particularly the neck, jaw, trunk, and eyes and possibly the
feet. [0467] Patients must increase the frequency of levodopa
doses. This puts them at risk for dyskinesia (the inability to
control muscles), which usually occurs when the drug level peaks.
Dyskinesia can take many forms, most often uncontrolled flailing of
the arms and legs or chorea, rapid and repetitive motions that can
affect the limbs, face, tongue, mouth, and neck. Dyskinesia is not
painful, but it is very distressing.
[0468] In some people, eventually L-dopa is effective only for one
to two hours and most patients start to experience motor
fluctuations. In about 15% to 20% of patients such fluctuations
become extreme, a phenomenon known as the on-off effect, which
consists of unpredictable, alternating periods of dyskinesia and
immobility. Sometimes the symptoms switch back in forth within
minutes or even seconds. The transition may follow such symptoms as
intense anxiety, sweating, and rapid heartbeats. In order to reduce
the effects of fluctuation and the wearing-off effect, it is
important to maintain as consistent a level of dopamine as
possible. Unfortunately, oral levodopa is poorly absorbed and may
remain in the stomach a long time. Two strategies have been
suggested to take care of these problems: [0469] 1. Taking multiple
small doses on an empty stomach by crushing the pills and mixing
them with a lot of liquid. [0470] 2. Taking the liquid form of
levodopa/carbidopa mixtures, which may produce fewer fluctuations
and a prolonged "on" time compared with the tablet.
[0471] Automated, periodic dosing by the ChronoDose.TM. system can
address these immediate concerns. For example, pulsatile delivery
should have blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as set forth below
within the following ranges at the following times:
[0472] For 4 doses
[0473] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0474] 6:00 am to 8:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0475] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0476] 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0477] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0478] 6:00 am to 8:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0479] Peak 4 (Highest)
[0480] 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0481] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 30.
[0482] For 6 doses
[0483] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0484] 6:00 am to 8:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0485] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0486] 10:00 am to 12:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest
therapeutic range of from 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0487] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0488] 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0489] Peak 4 (Highest)
[0490] 6:00 am to 8:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0491] Peak 5 (Highest)
[0492] 10:00 am to 12:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest
therapeutic range of from 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0493] Peak 6 (Highest)
[0494] 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0495] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 31.
[0496] For 12 doses
[0497] All Peaks 1 (Highest)
[0498] Every 2 Hrs.: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic range
of from 1.4 to 2.0 .mu.g/ml.
[0499] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 32.
[0500] The examples above describe the multiple dosing regimens and
plasma blood plasma concentration profiles for the major
medications used for Parkinson's disease and serve as models for
automated dosing by the ChronoDose.TM. system. Other medications
for Parkinson's disease, as described above, can be dosed in
similar fashion and are included herein.
Application
Attention Deficient Disorder (ADD) and/or Attention
Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
[0501] The present invention may be used to treat, cure, prevent,
control or alleviate a wide range of conditions and symptoms. In
the present invention, the drug delivery regimen is administered to
treat the condition of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and/or and
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
[0502] Most tragic are circumstances where children have died of
heart failure during recess and periods of physical activity. A
device is urgently needed that can turn off during periods of
physical activity (recess, after school sports). The transdermal
delivery techniques of the present invention allow for programming
to increase safety by decreasing blood plasma concentrations of
ADD/ADHD medicaments during periods of physical activity so as to
decrease adverse side effects of drugs which may contribute to
overexertion of the heart.
[0503] Medications for attention deficit disorder (ADD) and
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which may be used
in the present invention include: [0504] Stimulants such as
methyphenidate (Ritalin.RTM.), dextro-amphetamine sulfate
(Dexedrine.RTM.) and dextro-amphetamine sulfate with other
amphetamine mixture (Adderall.RTM.), [0505] Non-stimulants such as
atomoxetine (Strattera.RTM.) [0506] Antidepressants such as
imipramine, desipramine and nortriptyline. [0507] SSRIs such as
bupropion HCl (Wellbutrin.RTM. and Zyban.RTM.). [0508] Pemoline
(Cylert.RTM.--not commonly used anymore due to liver damage) [0509]
Ampakines such as: CX-516 (Ampalex), CX546, CX614 and CX717. [0510]
Newer norepinephrine-selective-uptake inhibitors may be useful in
this disorder.
[0511] A list of less often prescribed medicines sometimes used
together with psychotropics include: citalopram (Celexa.RTM.),
Clonidine (Catapres.RTM., Dixarit.RTM., Catapres-TTS.RTM.),
methylphenidate (Concerta.RTM.), valproic acid (Depakote.RTM.),
paroxetine (Paxil.RTM.), fluoxetine (Prozac.RTM.), risperidone
(Risperidal.RTM.), carbamazepine (Tegretol.RTM.), guanfacine
hydrochloride (Tenex.RTM.), and sertraline (Zoloft.RTM.).
[0512] Additional medications used for ADD/ADHD include:
dextro-methylphenidate (Focalin.RTM.), imipramine (Tofranil.RTM.),
methylphenidate (Metadate.RTM.), methylphenidate HCl (Methylin
ER.RTM.), desipramine (Norpramine.RTM.), nortriptyline
(Pamelo.RTM.), modafinil (Provigil.RTM.) and dextroamphetamine
(DextroStat.RTM.).
[0513] Ritalin.RTM. is a registered trademark of Novartis
Pharmaceuticals
[0514] Adderall.RTM. is a registered trademark of Shire US Inc.
[0515] Dexedrine.RTM. is a registered trademark of
GlaxoSmithKline
[0516] Strattera.RTM. is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and
Company
[0517] Wellbutrin.RTM. is a registered trademark of
GlaxoSmithKline
[0518] Zyban.RTM. is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline
[0519] Cylert.RTM. is a registered trademark of Abbott
Laboratories
[0520] Celexa.RTM. is a registered trademark of Forest
Pharmaceuticals
[0521] Catapres.RTM., Dixarit.RTM., Catapres-TTS.RTM. are
registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim
[0522] Concerta.RTM. is a registered trademark of ALZA
[0523] DepaKote.RTM. is a registered trademark of Abbott
Laboratories
[0524] Paxel.RTM. is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline
[0525] Prozac.RTM. is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and
Company
[0526] Zoloft.RTM. is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.
[0527] Resperidal.RTM. is a registered trademark of Janssen
[0528] Tegretol.RTM. is a registered trademark of Novartis
Pharmaceuticals
[0529] Tenex.RTM. is a registered trademark of A.H. Robins
[0530] Focalin.RTM. is a registered trademark of Novartis
Pharmaceuticals
[0531] Tofranil.RTM. is a registered trademark of Novartis
Pharmaceuticals
[0532] Metadate.RTM. is a registered trademark of Celltech
[0533] Methylin.RTM. is a registered trademark of Mallinckrodt
[0534] Norpramine.RTM. is a registered trademark of Avenis
Pharmaceuticals
[0535] Pamelor.RTM. is a registered trademark of Sandoz
Pharmaceuticals
[0536] DextroStat.RTM. is a registered trademark of Shire
[0537] Provigil.RTM. is a registered trademark of Cephalon,
Inc.
Example
Methylphenidate (Ritalin.RTM.)
[0538] Methylphenidate (Ritalin.RTM.) is indicated as an integral
part of a total treatment program which typically includes other
remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a
stabilizing effect in children with a behavioral syndrome
characterized by the following group of developmentally
inappropriate symptoms: moderate-to-severe distractibility, short
attention span, hyperactivity, emotional liability, and
impulsivity.
[0539] Methylphenidate is usually administered in divided doses 2
or 3 times daily, preferably 30 to 45 minutes before meals.
Patients who are unable to sleep if medication is taken late in the
day should take the last dose before 6 p.m. Since the suggested
first dose is early in the morning, it would be beneficial to
automatically control the dosage.
[0540] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0541] For 2 doses
[0542] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0543] 6:00 am-8:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 8-25 ng/ml.
[0544] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0545] 3:00 pm-5:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 8 to 25 ng/ml.
[0546] For 3 doses
[0547] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0548] 6:00 am-8:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 8-25 ng/ml.
[0549] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0550] 10:00 am to 12:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest
therapeutic range of 8-25 ng/ml.
[0551] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0552] 3:00 pm-5:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 8 to 25 ng/ml.
[0553] The time/dose charts should appear as shown in FIGS. 33 and
34.
Example
Dextro-Amphetamine (Adderall.RTM.)
[0554] Dextro-amphetamine and dextro-amphetamine sulfate with other
amphetamine complexes (Adderall.RTM.) is also prescribed as an
integral part of a total treatment program which typically includes
other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a
stabilizing effect in children with a behavioral syndrome
characterized by the following group of developmentally
inappropriate symptoms: moderate-to-severe distractibility, short
attention span, hyperactivity, emotional liability, and
impulsivity.
[0555] Dextro-amphetamine is usually administered as a single dose
1 or 2 times daily, preferably at 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Less overall
side effects and dose equivalence were experienced with lower doses
of Adderall.RTM., when compared to higher doses of methylphenidate
(1:2 ratio, Adderall.RTM. to Ritalin.RTM.). Since the suggested
first dose is early in the morning, it would be beneficial to
automatically control the dosage.
[0556] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0557] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0558] 6:00 am-8:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 8-15 ng/ml.
[0559] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0560] 3:00 pm-5:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 8 to 15 ng/ml.
[0561] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 35.
Example
Atomoxetine (Strattera.RTM.)
[0562] Studies of atomoxetine clearly demonstrate short-term
efficacy relative to placebo in reducing both inattentive and
hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms and improving family and social
functioning. A preliminary 9-week, open-label study, reported by
Kratochvil and colleagues compared atomoxetine to a stimulant
medication. Both atomoxetine and methylphenidate were associated
with reductions in ADHD symptoms and improved global ratings in
children aged 7 to 15, according to parent and clinician ratings.
Atomoxetine (administered twice daily) and methylphenidate
(administered either 2 or 3 times daily) were both well tolerated,
with vomiting, insomnia, and weight loss reported more often for
the group receiving atomoxetine.
[0563] Additionally, atomoxetine is prescribed using weight based
dosing, usually 1.2 mg/kg/day to be taken twice a day. The peak
plasma concentration occurs at 1-2 hrs. after dosing, with a
half-life average of 3.12 hours.
[0564] Atomoxetine, with its different mechanism of action, is
associated with a slightly different side-effect profile than
stimulant medications, particularly increased somnolence and
gastrointestinal symptoms in children. These side effects can be
reduced or eliminated using a transdermal system. For individuals
at risk of stimulant abuse, or who display stimulant-related side
effects, which are not transitory, or insignificant (eg, severe
stimulant-induced insomnia or tics), atomoxetine and other
non-stimulants provide a welcome alternative.
[0565] The examples above describe the multiple dosing regimens and
plasma blood plasma concentration profiles for the major ADD/ADHD
medications and serve as models for automated dosing by the
ChronoDose.TM. system. Other medications for ADD/ADHD, as described
above, can be dosed in similar fashion and are included herein.
Application
Nicotine Addiction
Example
Smoking Cessation
[0566] The present invention may be used to treat, cure, prevent,
control or alleviate a wide range of conditions and symptoms. In
the present invention, the drug delivery regimen is administered to
treat the condition of smoking and nicotine addiction.
[0567] Medications and substances for smoking cessation, which may
be used in the present invention include: [0568] Stimulants such as
nicotine or nicotine analogs. [0569] Anti-depressants such as
Bupropion (Zyban.RTM.). [0570] Partial nicotinic agonists such as
Varenicline (Chantix.RTM.). [0571] Anticholinergic drugs such as
atropine and scopolamine. [0572] Other medications such as
Rimonabant (a CB-1 receptor blocker), herbals, plantago major,
botanicals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, plant extracts,
naturopathic, homeopathic drugs and substances, nutraceuticals and
others.
Example
Nicotine
[0573] Nicotine replacement has been the most frequently used
therapy to support smokers in their effort to quit. Smokers report
that the craving for a cigarette is greatest immediately upon
waking in the morning. The time elapsed between wakening and the
first cigarette is the best indicator of addiction. For most
smokers this period of time is only a few minutes. Additionally,
research has shown that nicotine transdermal delivery is influenced
by chronopharmacokinetics. Nicotine patch design should compensate
by decreasing the dose at night as well as increasing the dose in
the morning and after meals (Gries et al., 1998).
[0574] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0575] Current nicotine patches cause severe sleep disturbances by
releasing nicotine steadily throughout the night to ensure
sufficient morning nicotine levels to offset the strong morning
craving. It is widely accepted that current nicotine patches have a
detrimental and common side effect--sleeping disorders, and
insomnia, including persistent nightmares. Therefore, users are
often forced to remove the patch in the evening before they go to
bed. This eliminates sleep disturbances, but results in nicotine
levels that are insufficient to offset the strong morning craving.
This is a major drawback to current nicotine patches and many users
relapse, resulting in a less efficient smoking cessation therapy.
Current patches present the user with a difficult decision,
choosing between nightmares and relief from the strong morning
cravings.
[0576] An exemplary product contemplated by the present invention
is called Nicotine ChronoDose.TM. system. In accordance with the
present invention, the system can begin to administer nicotine (or
nicotine analogs or any other smoking cessation compound)
automatically during a one-hour period immediately prior to waking.
This will relieve the smoker's peak craving upon waking without
causing nightmares and insomnia. We believe that this system
clearly provides a superior method for smoking cessation.
[0577] A more advanced nicotine replacement system than that
described above is worn for three days at a time and is programmed
to release nicotine in a daily rhythmic pattern such as shown in
FIG. 8 to offset peaks in a smoker's cravings. FIG. 8 illustrates
an exemplary nicotine administration profile showing a blood plasma
level of nicotine in nanograms per milliliter on the vertical axis,
with time on the horizontal axis. This implementation will reduce
nicotine dependency by administering pre-programmed levels of
nicotine pursuant to typical smoking patterns. For instance many
smokers report that cravings for a cigarette are greatest upon
waking up, after lunch, mid afternoon, after dinner and before
bedtime. This implementation of the present invention will
automatically release larger doses of nicotine to offset peak
cravings and no nicotine when cravings are typically at a minimum.
The present invention may be delivered in a preprogrammed manner
for each treatment regimen. The only involvement by the user will
be the replacement of the `reservoir` every three days, and the
replacement of the platform housing as needed.
[0578] This implementation represents a tremendous move forward in
nicotine replacement therapy, and is far superior to the
old-technology systems that simply release the same amount of
nicotine all day and night. With the present invention, one can
systematically decrease a smoker's tolerance without increasing
dependence (the result of a constant flow) and better wean a smoker
off nicotine, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This will allow the
smoker to better `tailor-down` and decrease the amount of nicotine
he needs to quit. Modern smoking cessation is much more than
nicotine replacement therapy. Programs also include weight control,
diet and psychological support. The present invention fits well
into these programs, since it addresses the key component of being
able to quit smoking by efficiently countering the withdrawal
symptoms while doing away with the negative side effects of current
nicotine replacement therapy systems, namely sleep disturbance.
[0579] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0580] Phase I
[0581] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0582] 6:00 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 44 to 24 ng/ml.
[0583] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0584] 12:00 pm-2:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 38 to 24 ng/ml.
[0585] Peak 3 (Lowest)
[0586] 5:00 pm-7:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 38 to 18 ng/ml.
[0587] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 36.
[0588] Phase II
[0589] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0590] 6:00 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 28 to 12 ng/ml.
[0591] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0592] 12:00 pm-2:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 23 to 12 ng/ml.
[0593] Peak 3 (Lowest)
[0594] 5:00 pm-7:00 pm: BPC should be in the lowest therapeutic
range of from 20 to 8 ng/ml.
[0595] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 37.
[0596] Phase III
[0597] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0598] 6:00 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 18 to 8 ng/ml.
[0599] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0600] 12:00 pm-2:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 12 to 6 ng/ml.
[0601] Peak 3 (Lowest)
[0602] 5:00 pm-7:00 pm: BPC should be in the lowest therapeutic
range of from 10 to 4 ng/ml.
[0603] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 38.
Example
Bupropion (Zyban.RTM.)
[0604] Bupropion (Zyban) is a prescription antidepressant in an
extended-release form that reduces symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
It does not contain nicotine. This drug affects chemicals in the
brain that are related to nicotine craving. It can be used alone or
together with nicotine replacement. Some doctors may recommend
combination drug therapy for heavily addicted smokers, such as
using bupropion along with a nicotine replacement patch and/or a
short acting from of nicotine replacement (such as gum or
lozenges).
[0605] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose.TM.
system. For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0606] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0607] 6:00 am-8:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 80 to 140 ng/ml.
[0608] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0609] 2:00 pm-4:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 80 to 140 ng/ml.
[0610] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0611] 10:00 pm-12:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 80 to 140 ng/ml.
[0612] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 39.
Example
Varenicline (Chantix.RTM.)
[0613] Varenicline (Chantix.RTM.) is a newer medicine developed
specifically to help people stop smoking. It stimulates dopamine
production as well as blocking nicotine receptors in the brain. It
works by interfering with nicotine receptors in the brain, which
has two effects. It lessens the pleasurable physical effects a
person gets from smoking, as well as reducing the symptoms of
nicotine withdrawal.
[0614] Several studies have shown varenicline can more than double
the chances of quitting smoking. Some studies have also found it
may be more effective than bupropion, at least in the short term.
Reported side effects of varenicline, however, have included
headaches, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams,
flatulence (gas), and changes in taste.
[0615] Other medications:
[0616] Atropine and scopolamine combination therapy: Some smoking
cessation clinics offer a program using shots of the
anticholinergic drugs atropine and scopolamine to help reduce
nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These drugs are more commonly
prescribed for other reasons, such as digestive system problems,
motion sickness, or Parkinson's disease.
[0617] or example, the drug delivery regimen of the present
invention is administered to treat a condition selected from the
group consisting of vitamin and/or mineral deficiency, Cancer,
Addiction, Arthritis, Parkinson's Disease, Attention Deficit
Disorder, Cardiovascular Disorder, Cold/Flu Symptoms, Pain,
Childhood Bronchial Asthma, Peptic Ulcer, Post-operative
Recuperation, and so forth as shown below.
Application
Angina
Example
Nitroglycerin
[0618] Research shows that variant angina occurs 30 times more
often between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. (`critical angina phase`)
than at any other time of the day. Nitroglycerin effectively
combats angina attacks, if administered in optimal doses. Current
nitroglycerin patches exist, but they can only release a constant
amount of nitroglycerin steadily over time. Current patches cannot
tailor the release of nitroglycerin to optimize treatment by
releasing more nitroglycerine precisely during the critical angina
phase to offset these peak symptoms.
[0619] In addition, nitroglycerine loses its effectiveness and
requires higher and higher dosages when administered constantly.
Our bodies become tolerant to it. Current systems cannot stop or
decrease the release of nitroglycerine when disease symptoms are
lowest. Thus, these current `dumb` patches cannot offset the
critical angina phase by releasing more of the drug, nor can they
shut down or stop nitroglycerin administration when the body
doesn't need it. It is a `one dose fits all` type of scenario once
each "dumb" patch is applied to the patient.
[0620] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0621] The method in accordance with the present invention utilizes
an automated transdermal system in order to transdermally
administer more nitroglycerin during the critical angina phase to
ensure adequate offset of these symptoms and less nitroglycerin
when it is not needed so that no tolerance builds up. Our method
utilizes a `smart` patch medicine system at this time to offset
these peak critical phases in the disease cycle arising due to the
human body's circadian rhythm.
[0622] The pre-programmable automated transdermal system is worn
around the wrist-like a watch (or the forearm arm or ankle) and
releases nitroglycerin in optimal dosages at times that are
optimally synchronized. This is pursuant to a pre-programmed and
tailored dosage profile. Current nitroglycerin patches only have
the capability to release a constant dose of nitroglycerin over a
period of time. Current nitroglycerin patches simply cannot alter
or vary dosages to increase dosages at different times of the day,
and decrease dosages at other times of the day.
[0623] The nitroglycerin system in accordance with the present
invention has three primary advantages over current nitroglycerin
patches. First, the system automatically and precisely releases
nitroglycerin in peak amounts to offset the peak symptoms of
morning attacks occurring during the critical angina phase. Current
nitroglycerin patches have release rates that stay constant and do
not increase to offset critical phases, and do not decrease as
symptoms decrease. Second, our system solves the tolerance issue by
releasing less (or no) nitroglycerin in off-peak hours, and then
releasing nitroglycerin at just the right time so that it is
present during critical periods, without increasing tolerance.
Third, our system accomplishes 1 and 2 above automatically, without
the need for a patient to wake up to take a drug at this critical
phase, which does away with the need for any increased patient
compliance.
[0624] The nitroglycerin system represents an ideal delivery system
for patients who use nitroglycerin regularly for the treatment
and/or the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Patient
compliance regarding the timing and dose of heart attack medication
is crucial. Patient non-compliance with physician's instructions
for this is often a cause of re-hospitalization, according to the
US Department of Health and Human Services. The system solves this
problem, and will decrease the need for re-hospitalization by
dramatically increasing patient compliance.
[0625] This system can be either an `wear each night and remove in
the morning` system, whereby it only releases nitroglycerin
automatically to offset the critical angina phase in the morning,
or a `total solution` system, that is worn for a period of 24 hours
to several days, and that administers nitroglycerin in tailored
amounts and at tailored times as synchronized with the body's
circadian rhythm (and conveniently taken off while showering or
swimming).
[0626] The system is an innovative new drug therapy for angina.
With the advantage of optimized and automated time and dose
administration synchronized with a person's circadian rhythms, the
system in accordance with the present invention ensures that
nitroglycerin will circulate in the bloodstream exactly when the
patient needs it, and without any build up tolerance. For these
reasons, the present invention is superior to current steady
release nitroglycerin patches. Our system's increased advantages
are extremely relevant for those patients with moderate to severe
angina.
[0627] FIG. 41 shows an exemplary administration profile for a
nitroglycerin delivery system tailored to treat variant angina
attacks or angina pectoris. This type of angina attack has a peak
frequency in many patients between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 AM.
This is a particularly difficult time to wake up to take a drug
such as nitroglycerin. In accordance with the present invention an
administration profile substantially like that shown in FIG. 41 is
automatically administered. In FIG. 41 the vertical axis indicates
blood plasma level in nanograms per milliliter, and the horizontal
axis indicates time from 10:00 PM through the night to 8:00 AM.
[0628] FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary administration profile for
a nitroglycerin delivery system tailored to treat stress-induced
angina attack. In FIG. 42 the vertical axis indicates blood plasma
level in nanograms per milliliter, and the horizontal axis
indicates time from 12:00 AM through the day until about 4:00 PM.
The administration profile shown in FIG. 42 provides a high blood
plasma concentration throughout the waking hours of a day when
stress is likely occur.
Application
Arthritis
Examples
Indomethacin, Valdecoxib
[0629] An automated, and programmed, pulsatile drug delivery
regimen is desired to in order to increase drug concentrations
automatically in the morning, just before a person awakes and the
symptoms of arthritis are the worst. Later, towards mid-day, the
drug concentration is also increased. Then in the evening, the drug
dose is increased prior to bedtime.
[0630] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0631] The most common forms, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis, both show distinctive circadian patterns of pain. While
many people feel stiff for an hour or so after first getting up in
the morning, people with osteoarthritis typically hurt most and
have the most difficulty moving in the afternoon and evening. Those
with rheumatoid arthritis almost always feel much worst in the
morning. By dosing at night, early morning and mid-day, the
benefits of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and
cyclocoygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2) can be maximized and side
effects reduced.
Examples of Medications for Arthritis Include
[0632] Indomethacin (Indocin.RTM.)
[0633] Diclofinac (Voltarin.RTM. and Cataflam.RTM.)
[0634] Flurbiprofen (ANSAID.RTM.)
[0635] Celecoxib (Celebrex.RTM.)
[0636] Valdecoxib (Bextra.RTM.)
[0637] Acetomenophen (Tylenol.RTM.)
[0638] Oxaceprol
Example
Indomethacin (NSAID)
[0639] The primary adverse side effect of Indomethacin is
gastrointestinal upset and bleeding. Therefore a transdermal
arthritis patch would be a beneficial dosage form as opposed to
oral tablets and capsules. Additionally, studies using indomethacin
showed better efficacy and patient complience when dosed at night
than when dosed at 8:00 am.
[0640] Theoretical unenhanced transdermal flux for indomethacin
(Bemer-Cooper predictive model) is 0.93 ug/cm2/hr.
[0641] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose system.
For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0642] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0643] 5:00 am-9:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 0.5-2.0 mcg/ml.
[0644] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0645] 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of 0.25-1.5 mcg/ml.
[0646] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0647] 8:00 pm-11:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 0.5 to 2.0 mcg/ml.
[0648] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 43.
Example
Valdecoxib (COX-2 Inhibitor)
[0649] Like indomethacin, the primary adverse side effect of COX-2
inhibitors is gastrointestinal upset and bleeding. Therefore a
transdermal arthritis patch would be a beneficial dosage form as
opposed to oral tablets and capsules. Lower blood plasma
concentrations of COX-2 inhibitors delivered transdermally has been
suggested as therapeutically equivalent to higher BPC obtained by
oral dosing.
[0650] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose system.
For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0651] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0652] 5:00 am-9:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 50-175 ng/ml.
[0653] Peak 2 (Medium)
[0654] 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of 21-125 ng/ml.
[0655] Peak 3 (Highest)
[0656] 8:00 pm-11:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of from 50 to 175 ng/ml.
[0657] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 44.
Application
Asthma
Example
Tulobuterol
[0658] The automated transdermal asthma system automatically
administers a morning dose of albuterol, tulobuterol, salmeterol,
beta 2 agonist or any other antiarrhythmic drug (an `Asthma drug`)
to combat the peak symptom of morning asthma attacks known as the
`morning dip`.
[0659] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0660] Asthma attacks occur 100 (one hundred) times more often
between the hours 4 A.M. and 6 A.M., when most people are asleep.
This is due to the early morning deterioration of respiratory
function known as `morning dip`, which is the time of day that
respiratory function is at its lowest. These early morning asthma
attacks cause great distress to sufferers and care providers. The
morning dip represents the dip in respiratory function at this time
when asthma attacks are 100 times more likely to occur. Our system
effectively combats the morning dip by releasing more Asthma drug
at this time to offset this peak morning symptom. In other words,
our `smart` patch varies the level of drug in the bloodstream so
that drug concentrations are highest when respiratory function is
at its lowest.
[0661] Current `dumb` asthma patches exist, but they can only
release a constant amount of drug steadily over time. Current
patches cannot tailor the release of drug to optimize treatment by
releasing more drug precisely during the morning dip to offset
these peak critical symptoms.
[0662] The Asthma system has two primary advantages over current
patches. First, the system of the present invention utilizes its
core competitive advantage to automatically and precisely release
tulobuterol or other asthma drugs in peak amounts to offset the
peak symptoms associated with the morning dip. Current patches have
release rates that stay constant and do not increase to offset this
peak critical phases, and do not decrease as symptoms decrease.
Second, our system accomplishes 1 and 2 above automatically,
without the need for a patient to wake up to take a drug at this
critical phase, which does away with the need for any increased
patient compliance.
[0663] The automated transdermal system for asthma is worn around
the wrist like a watch (or the forearm arm or ankle) and releases
albuterol or other asthma drugs in optimal dosages at times that
are optimally synchronized, especially to offset the morning dip,
pursuant to a pre-programmed and tailored dosage profile. Current
Asthma patches only have the capability to release a constant dose
over a period of time. Current Asthma patches simply cannot alter
or vary dosages to increase dosages at different times of the day,
and decrease dosages at other times of the day.
[0664] The system is an innovative new drug therapy for asthma.
With its superior advantage of optimized and automated time and
dose administration synchronized with our circadian rhythms, our
system ensures that tulobuterol or another asthma drug will
circulate in increased amounts in the bloodstream exactly when the
patient needs it. For these reasons, our system is superior to
current steady release patches. Our system's increased advantages
are extremely relevant for those patients with moderate to severe
asthma.
[0665] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 45.
Application
Hypertension
Example
Clonidine
[0666] Current clonidine patches release the drug consistently over
time. It cannot release more of the drug when symptoms are worst.
People die most when the symptoms peak. Having the advantage of
administering more of the drug when a patient needs it the most can
mean the difference between life and death, especially in patients
with moderate to severe high blood pressure.
[0667] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0668] The automated transdermal system for hypertension has two
primary advantages over current patches. First, our system utilizes
its core competitive advantage to automatically and precisely
release clonidine or other hypertension drugs in peak amounts to
offset the peak symptoms associated with the dangerous morning
symptoms. Current hypertension patches have release rates that stay
constant and do not increase to offset this peak critical phases,
and do not decrease as symptoms decrease. Second, our system
accomplishes 1 and 2 above automatically, without the need for a
patient to wake up to take a drug at this critical phase, which
does away with the need for any increased patient compliance. The
clonidine automated transdermal system utilizes clonidine, (or
another hypertension drug) an effective drug that combats high
blood pressure.
Example
[0669] The clonidine automated transdermal drug delivery system has
an automated morning release of Clonidine to combat the peak
symptom of morning heart attacks. Blood pressure differs at
different times of the day. Blood pressure surges upon waking, and
is lower by 20 to 30 percent while sleeping. Our preprogrammed
automatic transdermal system utilizes its core competitive
advantage by releasing clonidine in a tailored fashion to counter
high blood pressure when symptoms are highest, while releasing less
clonidine when symptoms are less severe.
[0670] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 46
Application
Depression
Example
Selegiline
[0671] Selegiline is an effective MAO inhibitor for the treatment
of depression, Alzheimer's and Attention Deficit Disorder.
Currently oral selegiline produces many undesirable side effects. A
transdermal form of selegiline, EMSAM.TM., is currently being
developed. However, it also produces sleep disturbances as well. It
is believed that the system in accordance with the present
invention would be superior to conventional selegiline product
delivery systems.
[0672] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0673] Primary negative side effects of the selegiline patches are
abnormal dreams, insomnia, and difficulty sleeping. We believe that
by specifically refraining from administering selegiline at night,
and utilizing our system's core competitive advantage to turn it on
an hour or so before waking, we can do away with this negative side
effect and still offset the critical phase of morning symptoms of
depression. It has been reported that patients have increased
symptoms of depression upon waking if the critical amount of
Selegiline is not circulating through their system.
[0674] The selegiline automated transdermal drug delivery system
gives an automated morning release of selegiline to combat the peak
symptom of morning depression without the side effect of sleep
disturbances. The system in accordance with the present invention
is applied before bed. It does not release the drug until one or
two hours before morning, so symptom of morning depression would be
corrected by our system without subjecting the patient to sleep
disturbances.
[0675] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 47.
Application
Urinary Incontinence
Example
Oxtybutynin
[0676] An automated, and programmed, pulsatile drug delivery
regimen is desired to in order to increase drug concentrations
automatically at night while asleep, and to decrease concentrations
during the daytime work hours, and again to slightly increase drug
concentrations after work and prior to bed.
[0677] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0678] The primary adverse side effect of Oxybutynin is daytime
sleepiness, daytime attention and cognitive deficits, drowsiness,
dizziness, blurred vision, (must use caution when driving,
operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities).
Therefore, it seems that a dose in the lower end of the therapeutic
range should be administered during the daytime, with a slightly
larger dose administered after working hours, and with an even
higher dose administered during the sleeping hours.
[0679] This would reduce the potentially serious adverse side
effect of daytime drowsiness and daytime cognitive impairment. This
dosing regimen would also give the user a higher dose at night,
when one sleeps. At this time, increased drowsiness would be
advantageous as well as providing a period of undisturbed sleep due
to the inhibition of urge incontinence.
[0680] Medications for incontinence include: [0681] Oxybutynin
(Ditropan.RTM. and Oxytrol.RTM.) [0682] Tolterodine (Detrol.RTM.)
[0683] Duloxetine (Yentreve.RTM.)
Example
Oxybutynin
[0684] The mean maximum blood plasma concentration following oral
dosing with 5 mg oxybutynin or transdermally with 39 mg is 3 ng/mL.
Blood plasma concentration between 1 and 3 ng/ml
[0685] Theoretical unenhanced transdermal flux for oxybutynin
(Bemer-Cooper predictive model) is 10.98 ug/cm2/hr.
[0686] NOTE: Dose of current Oxytrol patches are 3.9 mg per
day.
[0687] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose system.
For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0688] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0689] 11:00 pm-7:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 2.5-4.5 ng/ml.
[0690] Peak 2 (Low)
[0691] 7:00 am to 5:00 pm: BPC should be in the lowest therapeutic
range of 0.75-1.5 ng/ml.
[0692] Peak 3 (Medium)
[0693] 5:00 pm-11:00 pm: BPC should be in the medium therapeutic
range of from 1.5 to 2.5 ng/ml.
[0694] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 48.
Application
Headache and Migraine
Example
Zolmitriptan
[0695] An automated, and programmed, pulsatile drug delivery
regimen is desired to in order to increase drug concentrations
automatically in the evening to provide needed medication, in the
very early morning (0200-0400) while asleep, and again later on
(0800-1000) upon waking. Then, during the daytime work hours,
decrease concentrations to allow for normal activities.
[0696] Chronotherapeutic Rationale:
[0697] Migraine, cluster and tension-type headaches may produce a
headache that awakens an individual in the early morning hours
(usually between 2 and 4 AM), or is present upon awakening. Those
individuals with chronic tension-type headache are most likely to
be awakened in the early morning hours due to headache. This
headache also tends to be at its worst severity at that time of
day. A variety of causes may account for this early-morning pattern
to the headaches.
[0698] Additionally, primary headaches associated with late
sleeping or weekends are caused by caffeine withdrawal. Sleeping in
late delays morning caffeine intake, which often leads to
withdrawal and migraine. Many people reduce their caffeine intake
on weekends, which readily explains the weekend increase in
migraine attacks. Fewer migraines occur on Mondays and Tuesdays
than on other days of the week.
[0699] Medications for headache and migraine include:
[0700] Abortive Medications
[0701] Analgesics with caffeine such as Excedrin.RTM. Migraine
(acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine).
[0702] Analgesics with caffeine and barbiturates such as
Fiorinal.RTM. (butalbital, aspirin and caffeine) and Fioricet.RTM.
(butalbital, acetaminophen and caffeine).
[0703] Non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as
Advil.RTM. (ibuprofen), and Aleve.RTM. (naproxen sodium).
[0704] Ergotamines such as Cafergot.RTM. (caffeine and ergotamine
tartrate) and Migranal.RTM. (dihydroergotamine).
[0705] Triptans such as Zomig.RTM. (zolmitriptan), Maxalt.RTM.
(rizatriptan), Imitrex.RTM. (sumatriptan), Frova.RTM.
(frovatriptan), Axert.RTM. (almotriptan) and Amerge.RTM.
(naratriptan).
[0706] Excedrin Migraine is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers
Squibb Company
[0707] Fiorinal and Fioricet are registered trademarks of Novartis
Pharmaceuticals Corporation
[0708] Advil is a registered trademark of Whitehall-Robbins
Healthcare
[0709] Aleve is a registered trademark of Bayer Corporation
[0710] Cafergot and Migranal are registered trademarks of Novartis
Pharmaceuticals Corporation
[0711] Zomig is a registered trademark of AstraZeneca
[0712] Maxalt is a registered trademark of Merck & Co.,
Inc.
[0713] Imitrex is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline
[0714] Frova is a registered trademark of Elan Pharmaceuticals/UCB
Pharma, Inc.
[0715] Axert is a registered trademark of Pharmacia
[0716] Amerge is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline
[0717] Preventive Medications
[0718] Beta blockers such as Inderal.RTM. (propranolol)*,
Blocadren.RTM. (timolol maleate)*, and metoprolol.
[0719] Calcium-channel blockers such as Cardizem.RTM. (diltiazem)
and Procardia.RTM. (nifedipine).
[0720] Antidepressants such as Prozac.RTM. (fluoxetine), Paxil.RTM.
(paroxetine) and Zoloft.RTM. (sertraline).
[0721] Anticonvulsants such as Depakote.RTM. (valproic acid or
divalproex sodium).*
[0722] NSAIDs such as Orudis.RTM. (ketoprofen) and Aleve.RTM.
(naproxen sodium).
[0723] Inderal is a registered trademark of AstraZeneca
[0724] Blocadren is a registered trademark of Merck & Co,
Inc.
[0725] Cardizem is a registered trademark of Aventis
Pharmaceuticals
[0726] Procardia is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.
[0727] Prozac is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and
Company
[0728] Paxil is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline
[0729] Zoloft is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.
[0730] Depakote is a registered trademark of Abbott
Laboratories
[0731] Orudis is a registered trademark of Aventis
Pharmaceuticals
[0732] Aleve is a registered trademark of Bayer Corporation
Example
Zolmitriptan
[0733] Blood plasma concentration between 1.0 and 5.0 ng/ml.
Theoretical unenhanced transdermal flux for zolmitriptan
(Bemer-Cooper predictive model) is 6.02 ug/cm2/hr. Thus, dosing
could be optimized using the ChronoDose system. For example,
pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as
set forth below within the following ranges at the following
times:
[0734] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0735] 2:00 am-4:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 3.5-4.0 ng/ml.
[0736] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0737] 8:00 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range of 3.5-4.0 ng/ml.
[0738] Trough (Lowest)
[0739] 12:00 pm to 12:00 am: BPC should be in the lowest
therapeutic range of 1.0-3.0 ng/ml.
[0740] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 49.
Applications
Diabetes
Example
Miglitol
[0741] An automated, and programmed, pulsatile drug delivery
regimen is desired to in order to increase drug concentrations
automatically in the morning (0800), midday (1200) and evening
(1800) which coincide with mealtimes.
[0742] Miglitol is indicated as an adjunct to diet to improve
glycemic control in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus (NIDDM) whose hyperglycemia cannot be managed with diet
alone.
[0743] Theoretical unenhanced transdermal flux for miglitol
(Berner-Cooper predictive model) is 49.24 ug/cm2/hr.
[0744] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose system.
For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the following ranges
at the following times:
[0745] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0746] 8:00 am-10:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0747] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0748] 12:00 am-2:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0749] Trough (Highest)
[0750] 6:00 pm to 8:00 am: BPC should be in the highest therapeutic
range.
[0751] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 50.
Application
Pain Management
Example
Fentanyl
[0752] Many diseases and pain-causing situations (post-surgery,
post trauma) have predictable pain patterns. For example, cortisol
is virtually absent in the body overnight, and this is what fights
inflammation. Thus, any pain resulting from inflammation
(rheumatoid arthritis, post-surgical pain, post-traumatic pain,
back pain, neurological pain) is most common in the early morning
hours between 3:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Migraine pain is worst around
6:00 a.m. Ankylosing spondylitis pain surges between 6:00 a.m. and
9:00 a.m. Osteoarthritis pain surges in mid-afternoon.
[0753] Pain varies tremendously from one patient to the next, and
there are also some studies suggesting that the intensity of pain
varies according to time of day. In human studies, pain induced
experimentally was reported to be maximal in the morning, or in the
afternoon or at night. A circadian pattern of pain has been seen in
patients suffering from pain produced by different diseases. For
instance, highest toothache intensity occurred in the morning,
while biliary colic, migraine, and intractable pain were highest at
night. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis reported peak pain early
in the morning, while those with osteoarthritis of the knee
indicated that the maximal pain occurred at the end of the day. The
effectiveness of opioids appears also to vary according to time of
day, but large differences in the time of peak and low effects were
found. Peak pain intensity and narcotic demands occur early in the
morning, or it can be at the end of the day. Pain is a complex
phenomenon and specific to each clinical situation.
[0754] An automated, and programmed, pulsatile transdermal drug
delivery regimen is needed to substantially increase blood plasma
concentrations of Fentanyl or other pain medications, automatically
between 3:00 am and 8:00 am, while people sleep, where pain results
from inflammation, because cortisone, a key inflammation fighter,
is lowest in the body at that time. Additionally, an automated, and
programmed, pulsatile transdermal drug delivery regimen is needed
to substantially increase blood plasma concentrations of Fentanyl
or other pain medications automatically between 6:00 am and 9:00 am
for Ankylosing spondylitis pain, and in mid-afternoon for
Osteoarthritis pain.
[0755] Other pain medication includes: codeine, dihydrocodeine,
hydrocodone or hydromorphone, Sufentanil, Nalbuphine,
Buprenorphine, Hydromorphone and any type of opiate derivative.
[0756] These are exemplary choices for transdermal pain management
since they are effective, there is considerable hepatic first pass
effect and a short half life, and they are skin permeable.
[0757] For example, for pain that increases with inflammation, as
in the situations noted above, our regimen would suggest automated
and programmed, transdermal pulsatile delivery of fentanyl to reach
blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as set forth below within the
following ranges at the following times:
[0758] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0759] 3:00 am-8:00 am: BPC of fentanyl should be in the highest
therapeutic range of 2-8 ng/ml.
[0760] Peak 2 (Lowest)
[0761] 8:00 am-5:00 pm: BPC should be in the lowest therapeutic
range of 1-3 ng/m.
[0762] Peak 3 (Middle)
[0763] 5:00 pm to 3:00 am: BPC should be in the a moderate
therapeutic range of 2-5 g/ml.
[0764] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 51.
Application
Cancer
[0765] Cancer chronotherapy is attracting attention as a novel and
logical therapy in which anti-cancer drugs are administered with
optimal timing according to circadian rhythms of anti-cancer action
and those of adverse effects on normal cells. Advances in
chronobiology have identified the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) as
the center of biological rhythms and the area in which clock genes
such as PER1, PER2, PER3, CLOCK, BMAL1, TIM, CRY1, CRY2, tau act to
generate and coordinate biological rhythms. These findings have led
to the development of chronotherapy. Clinically, patients with
advanced gastrointestinal cancer have been treated by
chrono-modulated chemotherapy with good response. For colorectal
cancer patients with un resectable liver metastases, chronotherapy
with g-OHP+5-FU+FA (folinic acid) has been reported to allow
complete surgical resection of liver metastases, resulting in
39-50% 5-year survival.
[0766] The circadian timing of surgery, anticancer drugs, radiation
therapy, and biologic agents can result in improved toxicity
profiles, tumor control, and host survival. Optimally timed cancer
chemotherapy with doxorubicin or pirarubicin (06:00 h) and
cisplatin (18:00 h) enhanced the control of advanced ovarian cancer
while minimizing side effects, and increased the response rate in
metastatic endometrial cancer. Therapy of metastatic bladder cancer
with doxorubicin-cisplatin was made more tolerable by this same
circadian approach resulting in a 57% objective response rate. This
optimally timed therapy is also effective in the adjuvant setting,
decreasing the expected frequency of metastasis from locally
advanced bladder cancer. Circadian fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR)
continuous infusion (70% of the daily dose given between 15:00 h
and 21:00 h) has been shown effective for metastatic renal cell
carcinoma resulting in 29% objective response and stable disease of
more than 1 yr duration in the majority of patients. Toxicity is
reduced markedly when FUDR infusion is modulated to circadian
rhythms
[0767] Chronotherapy has also been used to lower the amount of side
effects from chemotherapy drugs. Over the years, doctors have
realized that by giving two of these drugs, Adriamycin and
cisplatin, in the morning and evening, respectively, side effects
could be cut in half.
[0768] Thus, dosing could be optimized using the ChronoDose system.
For example, pulsatile delivery should have blood plasma
concentrations (BPC) as set forth for each specific medication.
[0769] The time/dose charts should appear as shown in FIG. 52 a, b
and c.
Applications
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS/HIV)
Examples
Zidovudine, Didanosine
[0770] Currently available antiretroviral drug regimens are able to
suppress HIV replication and allow CD4 recovery in the vast
majority of patients with HIV infection. The challenge is to match
each patient to the regimen that is most likely to durably suppress
HIV replication enough to prevent resistance selection without
causing treatment-limiting toxicities. It is also critical, but
difficult, to know when to begin treatment relative to CD4 cell
count and plasma viral load.
[0771] Adherence to antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV
infection and AIDS has become one of the most important clinical
challenges among HIV health care providers and patients. Adherence
to the prescribed regimen may predict which patients achieve
undetectable viral loads. Unfortunately, non-adherence is common in
antiretroviral therapy and has been associated with increases in
viral load and the development of drug resistance. Efforts to
maximize patient adherence are critical for suppressing HIV
replication and preventing the transmission of drug-resistant
virus.
[0772] Automated and programmed, transdermal pulsatile delivery of
zidovudine to reach blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as set forth
below within the following ranges at the following times:
[0773] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0774] 5:00 am-9:00 am: BPC of zidovudine should be in the highest
therapeutic range.
[0775] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0776] 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest
therapeutic range.
[0777] Theoretical unenhanced transdermal flux for zidovudine
(Berner-Cooper predictive model) is 17.94 ug/cm2/hr.
[0778] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 53.
Application
Epilepsy
Example
Gabapentan
[0779] In the majority of persons with the brain disorder epilepsy,
seizures recur at predictable times of day. About half of those
with epilepsy experience seizures mainly in waking hours. About
one-quarter have them mainly in sleep. In the others, timing is
less consistent; their seizures strike both day and night.
[0780] More than twenty anti-seizure medications (also called
anticonvulsant or anti-epilepsy drugs) currently are available in
the United States. Some are specifically designed not to interfere
with the activity of other drugs, including birth control pills.
They include gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Larnictal),
topiramate (Topamax), tiagabine (Gabatril), levetiracetam (Keppra),
and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal).
[0781] None of the newer medications and only two of the older
ones, valproate and phenyloin, have been studied with regard to how
they work when taken at different times of the day or in different
phases of the menstrual cycle. Whether the findings in valproate
and phenyloin can be generalized to other anti-epilepsy drugs is
not known; the results do raise issues, however, that urgently need
further study. Studies of valproate show that people absorb it more
slowly and less efficiently when they take it in the evening than
in the morning. This finding is of concern because protection
against seizures usually is needed most in NREM sleep, the state
that dominates the first half of a night's sleep.
[0782] Automated and programmed, transdermal pulsatile delivery of
gabapentan to reach blood plasma concentrations (BPC) as set forth
below within the following ranges at the following times:
[0783] Peak 1 (Highest)
[0784] 5:00 am-9:00 am: BPC of gabapentan should be in the highest
therapeutic range.
[0785] Peak 2 (Highest)
[0786] 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm: BPC should be in the highest
therapeutic range.
[0787] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 54.
Applications
Cold and Flu Treatment
Example
Triprolidine
[0788] Cold and flu symptoms are worst from midnight until the
early morning because the concentration of cortisol is lowest at
that time. Current nighttime cold and flu medication end up losing
efficacy by early morning when cold and flu symptoms are highest.
Therefore people suffering from a cold or flu are often
unpleasantly awoken by an increase in symptoms, cutting sleep
short. Set and put on before bedtime, the present invention will
automatically deliver a larger dose of medication and
immuno-boosters in the early morning hours to more effectively
combat the peak cold and flu symptoms that occur in the
morning.
[0789] This implementation uses prescription or OTC cold medicine
alone or optionally in combination with certain transdermally
efficacious vitamins and immune system boosters to provide a total
solution to cold and flu ailments. This is the first cold therapy
that combines OTC medicine with supplemental immuno-boosters in a
comprehensive and automated manner.
[0790] In a particular application, the Cold and Flu automated
transdermal drug delivery system utilizes OTC cold medicine,
Vitamin C, Echinacea, and Zinc to provide a total solution to cold
and flu ailments, and all while a person sleeps. The Cold/Flu
system releases these combination of compounds every 2 hours
throughout the night, with a higher dosage of compounds being
released in the morning to combat these proven middle of the night
and early morning symptoms, which are the worst of the day. Users
will experience less severe cold and flu symptoms during the
morning hours, will not have their sleep cycle cut short, and will
wake up feeling symptom-free.
[0791] The time/dose chart should appear as shown in FIG. 55.
In General
[0792] Accordingly, a preferred method of the present invention for
delivering an active agent such as a nutraceutical to a human or
animal includes the steps of providing a transdermal drug delivery
device coupled to the human or animal, the delivery device having a
source of the bioactive agent, a programmable microprocessor timing
mechanism, and a mechanism for causing the bioactive agent to be
delivered transdermally in response to the timing mechanism; and
timing routines implemented by the timing mechanism, wherein the
timing routines are selected to deliver the bioactive agent at a
time, rate, sequence and/or cycle that is synchronized with a
biological rhythm of the human or animal.
[0793] The method contemplates the administration of differing
sized dosages at different times of the day and/or night are
automatically dispensed, pursuant to a pre-programmed dosage
profile.
[0794] The active agent may be selected from the group consisting
of but not limited to: adrenergic stimulants such as: adrenaline,
ephedrine and ephedrine derivatives, and dopamine; methylxanthines
such as: caffeine, theobromine, theophylline and their derivatives;
ampakines such as: CX-516 (Ampalex), CX546, CX614 and CX717; other
stimulants, anorexigens and anorectics such as cocaine, etc.;
pharmaceuticals such as cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor
antagonists (rimonabant, Acomplia.TM.), humoral feedback signals
leptin, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, or their re-uptake inhibitors,
agonists or antagonists, appetite-regulating hormones such as
peptide YY 3-36 and the like; Nutritional agents, such as: Minerals
and Metals: i.e. boron, calcium, magnesium, chromium, selenium,
zinc, etc.; Vitamins: Vitamin A (Retinoids (include: retinol,
retinal, retinoic acid, 3-dehydroretinol and its derivatives);
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine); Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin); Vitamin B3
(Niacin); Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid); Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine);
Vitamin B7 (Biotin); Vitamin B9 (Folic acid); Vitamin B12
(Cyanocobalamin); Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid); Vitamin D2-D4
(Lumisterol, Ergocalciferol, Cholecalciferol, Dihydrotachysterol,
7-Dehydrocholesterol); Vitamin E (Tocopherol, Tocotrienol) and
Vitamin K (Naphthoquinone); Amino Acids: Isoleucine, Alanine,
Leucine, Asparagine, Lysine, Aspartate, Methionine, Cysteine,
Phenylalanine, Glutamate, Threonine, Glutamine, Tryptophan,
Glycine, Valine, Proline, Arginine, Serine, Histidine and Tyrosine;
two special amino acids, selenocysteine and pyrolysine and other
"nonstandard amino acids" including the sulfur-containing taurine
and n-acetylcysteine and the neurotransmitters GABA and dopamine;
other examples such as Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine),
lanthionine, 2-Aminoisobutyric acid, and dehydroalanine, ornithine
and citrulline; Coenzymes: Coenzyme A, Coenzyme B12, Coenzyme Q,
NAD, FAD, ATP, molybdopterin, etc.; Antioxidants such as
Glutathione, Lutein, alpha-lipoic acid, polyphenols--including
Pycnogenol (pine bark antioxidant), Grape seed extract, superoxide
dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), epicatechin, proanthocyanidins,
sulfoxides, etc.; Botanicals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, plant
extracts, herbs, naturopathic, homeopathic drugs and substances,
nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, Ayuervedic xtracts, tissue
extractions, antioxidants include but are not limited to: Guarana
and Brown Seaweed, or Fucus Vesiculosis, 5 HTP, yerba mate,
flaxseed oil, L-caritine, Synephrine (oxedrine; Sympatol), Coleus
forskohlii (forskohlin), diiodotyrosine, chromium poly-nicotinate,
garlic extract, yeast extract, fatty acids, omega-3 fish oil, kava
and kavalactones, Aniracetam, Bromocriptine, Carnosine,
Centrophenoxine, Deprenyl, Gerovital-H3, Hydergine, Idebenone,
Melatonin, Piracetam, Pramiracetam, Pyritinol, Resveratrol,
Vinpocetine and Vitamin C, thymus, yohimbine, Morinda citrifolia
(Noni, containing Proxeronine, Proxeronase, Xeronine, Damnacanthal
and Scopoletin), etc.; Steroids and steroid precursors: Anabolic
steroids; Corticosteroids, including glucocorticoid and
mineralocorticoids; Mineralocorticoids; Sex steroids including
androgens, estrogens, and progestagens; Phytosterols; Ergosterols;
Vitamin D supplements; progestational agents, hydrocortisone,
hydrocorticosterone acetate, cortisone acetate, dexamethasone and
its derivatives such as betamethasone, triamcinolone,
methyltestosterone, 17-.beta.-estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, ethinyl
estradiol 3-methyl ether, prednisolone,
17-.beta.-hydroxyprogesterone acetate, 19-nor-progesterone,
norgestrel, norethindrone, norethisterone, norethiederone,
progesterone, norgesterone, norethynodrel, dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA) and the like; Nutritional Supplements such as Resveratrol,
Dimethlyglycine (DMG), 5 Hydroxy L-tryptophan (5-HTP), Inositol
hexaphosphate (IP6), S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), Glucosamine
sulfate or N.Acetyl glucosamine, Choline, inositol and melatonin,
creatine, pyruvate, beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB),
ginseng, etc.; Natural Hormones (bio-identicals) such as black
cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) root and rhizome extract, extracts
from soy beans or the wild Mexican yam, etc.; Ayuervedic herb
extracts: Adhatoda; A. vasica, Arjun; Teminalia arjuna, Asafoetida;
Ferula asafetida, Ashwaganda; Withania sominifera, Asparagus; A.
racemosa, Bacopa; B. monerii, Crataeva; C. nurvala, Emblica; E.
ribes, Momordica; M. charantia, Myrrh; Commiphora mukul and C.
myrrha, Saraca; S. asoka, Tinospora; T. cordifolia; Physiological
metabolites, catabolites or other physiological active ingredient
or precursors of all of the above or derivatives of all of the
above thereof, as well as all other nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals,
naturopathic substances, homeopathic drugs, Ayuervedic extracts,
botanical and dietary supplements having same or different
physiological activity as those cited above.
[0795] The method of the present invention contemplates that the
timing routines may be selected to deliver the said active agent at
times that are automatically administered during a 1-2 hour
pre-wake-up period and two or three times periodically throughout
the day
[0796] At least one of the selected times corresponds to a time at
which the human or animal regularly exercises or has a routine
physical activity. The selected times may correspond to mealtimes
or regular food intake.
[0797] The method contemplates timing routines are selected to
deliver the drug at a time when the human or animal is expected to
be asleep. Alternatively, the timing routines may decrease or
terminate the dosage of drug delivered at a time when the human or
animal is expected to be asleep, or may deliver the bioactive agent
immediately before the human or animal wakes up.
[0798] Accordingly, a method of the present invention for
delivering a drug to a human or animal comprises a programmable
drug delivery device coupled to the human or animal comprising: a
method for device attachment to the skin of a host; an interface
for coupling to the skin of a host; a reservoir storing a quantity
of an active composition; a delivery mechanism for modulating the
quantity of the active composition supplied from the reservoir to
the interface in response to a control signal; a timing mechanism
coupled to the delivery mechanism and configured to generate the
control signal according to a programmed administration schedule; a
microprocessor controller and a power source.
[0799] The device of the present invention may utilize a pump or
pressurized reservoir for modulating the quantity of the active
composition and/or a system for removing depleted carrier solution,
or other modulated dispensing actuators, such as piezoelectric
droplet jet dispensers and thermal droplet jet dispensers.
[0800] The device may also utilize a pump or pressurized reservoir
for modulating the quantity of the active composition and/or a
system for removing depleted carrier solution, or other modulated
dispensing actuators, such as piezoelectric droplet jet dispensers
and thermal droplet jet dispensers in conjunction with porous
membranes or micro-fabricated structures commonly referred to as
micro-channels, with micro-needles, light, heat, iontophoresis,
sonophoresis and dermal abrasion (together referred to as
mechanical permeation enhancement) or a wide range of chemical
permeation enhancers and/or a wide range of nano-structures and
substances known as nanotechnology or any combination of these
techniques.
[0801] Permeation through the skin may be assisted using one or
more skin permeation technologies from the group comprising:
micro-fabricated structures commonly referred to as micro-needles,
sonophoresis, dermal abrasion, electroporation, nanoporation,
piezoelectric droplet jet dispenser, thermal droplet jet dispenser,
heat, light and chemical permeation enhancers and/or a wide range
of nano-structures and substances known as nanotechnology or any
combination of these techniques.
[0802] Permeation through the skin may be assisted using one or
more skin permeation technologies and/or in tandem with skin
permeation pre-treatment techniques from the group comprising:
micro-fabricated structures commonly referred to as micro-needles,
iontophoresis, sonophoresis, dermal abrasion, electroporation,
nanoporation, piezoelectric droplet jet dispenser, thermal droplet
jet dispenser, heat, light and chemical permeation enhancers and/or
a wide range of nano-structures and substances known as
nanotechnology or any combination of these techniques.
[0803] It is further contemplated that the micro-pump mechanism
controls a rate at which the active composition is supplied in
response to the control signal.
[0804] The valve mechanism may also be used to control a rate at
which the active composition is supplied in response to the control
signal.
[0805] The device of the present invention may also use a droplet
jet dispenser controls a rate at which the active composition is
supplied in response to the control signal.
[0806] A mechanism for removing the active composition from the
interface in response to the control signal is also
contemplated.
[0807] It is also contemplated that the delivery element further
comprises an evaporation channel defining a flow path for
evaporated portions of the solvent to flow away from the
administration reservoir to be captured by the solvent removal
element.
[0808] The device of the present invention may also include a
mechanism for removing carrier materials from the interface,
whereby the technique used is not limited by but includes stoppage
of permeation or dosing by micropump or actuator (which may move
gas or air) or a second micropump or actuator (which may move gas
or air) and/or a heating element which may aid in evaporation of
the carrier solvent.
[0809] The device of the present invention may employ a heat
element may be provided in the administration assembly near the
administration reservoir to raise the temperature 3 to 10 degrees
Celsius over a dermal temperature to enhance transdermal permeation
and/or diffusion and/or movement of the drug formulation through
the substrate.
[0810] An administration assembly is also contemplated which
includes an administration reservoir connected to the tubing to
receive the drug formulation and a membrane adjacent to the
administration reservoir that is permeable to an active or
effective substance in the drug formulation, but not or less
permeable to a solvent portion of the liquid.
[0811] The device of the present invention may also employ an
absorbent material provided in the administration reservoir so as
to distribute the received liquid in a relatively uniform manner
over the surface of the membrane.
[0812] The administration reservoir may be or include a rigid or
flexible, permanent or disposable substrate with a plurality of
ducts, conduits or culverts that contain internal passageways for
movement of the drug formulation and have either a series of
openings or a single opening mounted on the membrane or skin or
otherwise adjacent to the membrane or skin to allow the drug
formulation to be absorbed or otherwise transferred or to move from
the substrate ducts to the membrane or skin for transdermal
absorption.
[0813] The device of the present invention may include a
skin-interface membrane. A preferred skin-interface membrane may
include, but is not limited to silicones and siloxanes, microporous
polyethylene and/or microporous polypropylene, polyethylene
co-vinyl acetate (EVA copolymer) ranging from 2% to 40% vinyl
acetate content, polyurethane and the like.
[0814] The device may be attached to the skin with an adhesive,
which may be from the group consisting of but not limited to
silicones and siloxanes, polyisobutylene (PIB), acrylic adhesives
and other pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs), as well as
ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, poly (ethylene co-vinyl
acetate) (EVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), poly (ethylene oxide)
(PEO), poly (ethylene vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly (acrylic acid)
(PAA) and the like, which may be in a dry or wet form, crosslinked
or not crosslinked, or any mixture to provide the composition in
gel or hydrogel form or adhesive state.
[0815] The method may may include a skin-coupling medium selected
from the group consisting of glycerol, ethylcellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, polycarbophil, poly (ethylene co-vinyl
acetate) (EVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), poly (ethylene oxide)
(PEO), poly (ethylene vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly (acrylic acid)
(PAA), silicones and siloxanes, polyisobutylene (PIB) and the like,
which may be in a dry or wet form, crosslinked or not crosslinked,
or any mixture to provide the composition in gel or hydrogel form
or adhesive state.
[0816] The techniques of the present invention may also employ a
membrane that, when a programmable electronic current is added,
becomes porous to allow drug to flow or diffuse onto the skin or
diffusion area from the administration reservoir or other adjacent
area containing medicament. Optionally, a pump or other actuator is
used to place the drug onto the membrane. The actuator may itself
be the application of the electronic current to the membrane to
allow the medicament to move into the diffusion area. Note that
this technique is distinct from iontophoresis which applies the
electronic current to the skin itself to make the skin more porous.
Rather, the contemplated embodiment will not place an electric
current into the skin, but utilizes passive diffusion. The electric
current is applied to the membrane that is part of the diffusion
area or is in intimate contact with the skin or other membrane or
above the skin to open and become porous to allow drug to diffuse
passively (when the electric current is applied) and close when the
electronic current is removed (to close the membrane, and become no
porous) so as to stop drug delivery. Also optional are a disposable
cassette, a desiccant and a drying mechanism.
[0817] The coupling medium may include at least one polymer
selected from poly(ethylene oxide), polycarbophil,
poly(amidoamines), poly(dimethylsiloxanes), poly(hydroxyethyl
methacrylates), poly(N-isopropyl acrylamides),
poly[1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone-co-(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)],
poly(acrylamides), poly(glutamic acid), poly(aspartic acid),
poly(acrylic acids), poly(methacrylic acids), poly(ethylene
glycols), poly(ethylene glycol monomethacrylate),
poly(methacryloyloxyethyl 5-amino salicylate), poly(methacrylic
acid)-co-poly(ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl alcohols), and
poly(vinyl-pyrrolidones), poly[methacrylic acid-co-polyethylene
glycol monomethacrylate-co-methacryloyloxyethyl 5-amino
salicylate], poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methyl
methacrylate), poly(acrylamides), poly(aminoproly methacrylamides),
poly(N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide), and
poly(N,N-dimethyl-2-aminoethyl methacrylate), or copolymers, block
copolymers, graft copolymers, and heteropolymers thereof, or
combinations thereof which may be in a dry or wet form, crosslinked
or not crosslinked, or any mixture to provide the composition in
gel or hydrogel form or adhesive state.
[0818] The active agent may be premixed in the drug formulation and
contained in a single reservoir. Alternatively, the active agent
and the vehicle are held separate and contained in separate
reservoirs and are mixed or reacted in a micromixer, microreactor
or other microfluidic device immediately prior to dosing.
[0819] Drug formulations may include a solvent, an emulsifier, a
surfactant and/or a humectant, from the group consisting of water,
ethanol, lactic acid, urea, alcohols, polyalcohols, ethyl acetate,
actone, glycerol, glycerols, polyglycerols, glycols, polyglycols,
ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyethylene oxide
(PEO) and other polyethers, polysorbates, polycarbophil, dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO), formamide and the like, anionic, cationic and
non-ionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.
[0820] The active agent may be contained in a formulation
comprising an emulsion or microemulsion or an acceptable vehicle,
which takes the form of a colloidal dispersion having an aqueous
phase and a lipid phase.
[0821] The present methodology may employ internally or externally
a wide range of chemical permeation enhancers. Such enhancers
include but are not limited to glycerol, ethanol, isopropanol and
other low molecular weight alcohols and glycols such as diethylene
glycol, propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol, oils such as olive
oil, squalene or lanolin, urea and urea derivatives such as
allantoin, polar solvents such as dimethyldecylphosphoxide,
methyloctylsulfoxide, dimethyllaurylamide, dodecylpyrrolidone,
isosorbitol, dimethyl-acetonide, dimethylsulfoxide,
decylmethylsulfoxide and dimethylformamide, salicylic acid, amino
acids, benzyl nicotinate, oleic acid, oleyl alcohol, long chain
fatty acids, isopropanol, ethoxydiglycol, sodium xylene sulfonate,
N-methylpyrrolidone, laurocapram, alkanecarboxylic acids,
dimethylsulfoxide, polar lipids, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, propyl and
isopropyl myristate, propyl and isopropyl palmitate and the like,
cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants and higher molecular
weight aliphatic surfactants such as lauryl sulfate, polysorbates,
other agents include carvone and other azones, lactic acid,
linoleic and ascorbic acids, terpenes such as limonene, panthenol,
butylated hydroxytoluene, propyl oleate as well as piperine and
piperine derivatives, tetrahydropiperine and analogs and
derivatives thereof, including dihydropiperine.
[0822] The present invention may also employ internally or
externally a wide range of anti-irritants. Such anti-irritants
include but are not limited to steroids, antioxidants,
methylxanthines, catechins, phenols and polyphenols.
[0823] The present invention is particularly useful in applications
in which it is necessary and/or desirable to start the
administration of a nutraceutical, drug or other substance, stop
the administration of a nutraceutical, drug or other substance,
and/or increase/decrease the dosage of a nutraceutical, drug or
other substance at a time when it is inconvenient or impossible for
a patient to initiate the necessary actions. This is particularly
useful for a wide variety of nutraceutical, drug or other substance
administration applications that benefit when an administration is
started, stopped, or changed while a person is sleeping. As
research and knowledge of chronotherapy increases, it is
contemplated that a wide variety of applications will be discovered
in which benefit is realized by starting, stopping and/or changing
the administration while a patient sleeps).
[0824] This invention also particularly provides that drugs having
stimulating effects but or can speed up the metabolism or burn fat
or increase mitochondrial activity or benefit the body in another
manner the ADD or ADHD treatment drug is not delivered during the
sleep cycle, but the automated device of which this invention
relates turns on automatically prior to wake up so that
therapeutically effective blood plasma concentrations of the drug
ADD or ADHD treating compound in question are present immediately
upon waking, thereby avoiding the stimulation effects of the drug
during the night which can cause insomnia, but ensuring disease
symptoms are countered by the drug upon waking. This invention also
particularly provides that drugs having stimulating effects or can
speed up the metabolism or burn fat or increase mitochondrial
activity or benefit the body in another manner is not delivered
during the sleep cycle, but the automated device of which this
invention relates turns on automatically at opportune and
advantageous times throughout the day to assist anti-aging
effects.
[0825] In each of the examples, treatment is continued as needed to
provide superior symptomatic relief, prevent exacerbation of
symptoms, and/or prevent and/or delay progression of the disease
state or condition in the patient, or until it is no longer well
tolerated by the patient, or until a physician terminates
treatment. For example, a physician may monitor one or more
symptoms and/or serum levels of active material and/or metabolic
by-product(s) in a patient being treated according to this
invention and, upon observing attenuation of one or more symptoms
for a period of time, conclude that the patient can sustain the
positive effects of the above-described treatment without further
administration for a period of time. When necessary, the patient
may then return at a later point in time for additional treatment
as needed.
[0826] As used herein, `day` means a 24-hour period. Thus, for
example, `for at least three consecutive days` means for at least a
72-hour period. During or after the treatment, a physician may
monitor one or more symptoms and/or serum levels in the patient
and, upon observing an improvement in one or more of the parameters
for a period of time, conclude that the patient can sustain the
positive effects of the treatment without further administration of
the active material for a period of time.
[0827] In order to use an active material for therapeutic treatment
(including prophylactic treatment) of mammals including humans
according to the methods of this invention, the active material is
normally formulated in accordance with standard pharmaceutical
practice as a pharmaceutical composition. According to this aspect
of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition
comprising an active material in association with a
pharmaceutically acceptable diluting substance or carrier, wherein
the active material is present in an amount for effective treating
or preventing a particular condition.
[0828] While individual needs may vary, determination of optimal
ranges for effective amounts of an active ingredient (alone or in
combination with other nutraceuticals, drugs or substances) within
the ranges disclosed herein is within the expertise of those
skilled in the art. Accordingly, `effective amounts` of each
component for purposes herein are determined by such considerations
and are amounts that improve one or more active ingredient
functions and/or ameliorate on or more deleterious conditions in
patients and/or improve the quality of life in patients.
[0829] Pharmaceutical Kits
[0830] The present invention also provides pharmaceutical kits for
treating a particular symptom, condition and/or disease and/or
improving a particular biological function, comprising one or more
containers comprising one or more active compositions in accordance
with this invention. Such kits can also include additional
nutraceuticals drugs or therapeutics for co-use with the active
composition for treatment or prevention of a particular symptom,
condition and/or disease and/or improving a particular biological
function. In this embodiment, the active composition and the
nutraceutical, drug or other substance can be formulated in
admixture in one container, or can be contained in separate
containers for simultaneous or separate administration. The kit can
further comprise a device(s) for administering the compounds and/or
compositions, such as device shown in FIG. 1, and written
instructions in a form prescribed by a governmental agency
regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals or
biological products, which instructions can also reflect approval
by the agency of manufacture, use or sale for human
administration.
[0831] Although the invention has been described and illustrated
with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the
present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that
numerous changes in the dosages, administration profiles, timing,
as well as the combination and arrangement of parts can be resorted
to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention, as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *